Yanacocha S.R.L. Mining Company Conga Project Environmental ...

Yanacocha S.R.L. Mining Company 

Conga Project 

Environmental Impact Assessment 

Final Report 

Volume III 

February 2010 

Prepared for 

Yanacocha S.R.L. Mining Company 

Av. Víctor Andrés Belaúnde 147 

Vía Principal 103, Edificio Real Diez, Piso 4 

San Isidro, Lima 27, Perú 

Telephone: (511) 215-2600 

Facsimile: (511) 215-2610 

Prepared by 

Knight Piésold and Co. 

KP Project No. DV202.00165/17 

The contents of this page are subject to the disclaimer at the start of this document.

Section 4.0 - Project Description 

4.1 Introduction 

The Conga Project will be developed in the districts of La Encañada, Huasmín and Sorochuco, in the 

provinces of Celendín and Cajamarca in the department of Cajamarca in the northern of Peruvian Andes 

(Figure 4.1.1). The mine component of the project area is located in the Jalca region, from 3,700 to 

4,262 masl. The area is characterized by the presence of mountains and escarpments, narrow ravines, 

rock outcrops with steep slopes and mountainous areas with depresiones. An important portion of the 

project area presents a relatively flat and hilly topography, partially due to glacial action, resulting in water 

bodies and moraines. Another important characteristic of the area is the presence of lakes and streams 

in the project area, notably lakes such as Chailhuagón, Perol, Azul, Mala, and Cortada; all of them flow 

into Marañón River, a tributary of Amazon River that, in turn, flows into the Atlantic Ocean. 

The Conga Project intends to mine two gold-bearing (Au) porphyry copper deposits (Cu) located east of 

the area where Minera Yanacocha S.R.L. (MYSRL) currently carries out its operations, within a 

mineralization belt with other surrounding porphyry occurrences. 

Exploration works completed in the project area have allowed the determination of the feasibility of both 

the Perol and Chailhuagón ore deposits, located about 15 km by road east of MYSRL Maqui Maqui pit. 

The main mineralogical characteristics of these deposits are shown in Table 4.1.1 and the following are 

some relevant data related to this development: 

Total material to be extracted 1,085 Mt 

Total mineral to be processed 504 Mt 

Mineral from Perol Pit 344 Mt 

Mineral from Chailhuagón Pit 160 Mt 

Average copper grade 0.28 percent 

Average gold grade 0.72 g/t 

Total gold ounces 11.6 million ounces 

Average gold recovery rate 76.6 percent 

Total copper pounds 3.1 billion pounds 

Average copper recovery rate 84.5 percent 

Stripping ratio (waste: mineral) 1:15 

Plant processing capacity 92,000 tpd 

As of the date of this study, the total project development investment was estimated to be approximately 

US$2.6 million. Mining, including pre-mining activities, will extend over 19 years, where ore processing 

will occur over the last 17 years. Commercial production is estimated to start in year 2014 as shown in 

the general schedule presented in Graph 4.1.1. 

The mineral to be extracted from the pits will be transferred to the crushing and processing facilities with a 

rated treatment capacity of 92,000 tons per day (tpd) as shown in the mining plan summary (Table 4.1.2). 

The mineral will be crushed and milled to be then sent to a conventional flotation circuit to produce a 

copper concentrate with gold and silver content, which will be finally transported to the coast for final 

dispatch in trucks, as currently projected. 

Figure 4.1.2 shows the general layout of the Conga Project and its more relevant components, which will 

occupy an approximate area of 2,000 ha and the characteristics of which are described in the following 

sub-sections. 

This chapter describes the characteristics of the Project development intended to exploit the 

aforementioned deposits, both in the construction and operation stage. Considering the current scheme 

Environmental Impact Assessment Final Report, Rev 0 

The contents of this page are subject to the disclaimer at the start of this document. 

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for an EIA suggested by MEM in its guidelines, the closure and post-closure stages are described 

separately in Chapter 10 of this document. 

4.2 General Description 

The Conga Project involves constructing and operating a number of primary facilities and ancillary 

structures, which may be grouped as follows to facilitate their description: 

Mine facilities 

Pits 

Waste rock storage facilities 

Topsoil stockpiles 

Processing facilities 

ROM Pad 

Primary crushing circuit 

Crushed material transportation system 

Coarse ore stockpile 

Concentrator plant 

Tailings management facilities 

Tailings storage facility 

Tailings transportation and disposal system 

Seepage collection system 

Supernatant pond water recovery system 

Water management facilities 

Reservoirs 

Acid water treatment plant 

Sediment ponds 

Temporary storage systems 

Diversion structures 

Borrow areas (quarries) 

Ancillary facilities 

Power supply infrastructure 

Administrative and maintenance infrastructure 

Access roads and corridors 

Product and waste management infrastructure 

Additional operational infrastructure 

The characteristics of the various facilities are defined by applying criteria based on such concepts as 

safety, environmental protection, social responsibility, financial feasibility and appropriate risk and 

uncertainty management, as shown in the chapter related to the analysis of alternatives (Chapter 8). 

In general, the main technical criteria used for the project infrastructure design are based on information 

collected about the characteristics of the area, including the environmental and socio-economic 

components. Table 4.2.1 presents some of the codes and standards used in the design of the Conga 

Project facilities. 

4.3 Construction Stage Description 

The construction stage involves activities to prepare areas and install infrastructure required for the startup 

of operations. This stage includes activities such as earthworks and general area preparation tasks 

and are expected to last approximately 42 months. 

Labor requirements will vary throughout the construction stage and approximately 6,000 people are 

estimated to be required during the peak period of labor demand. Construction activities will take place in 



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2 or 3 nominal shifts of 8- or 12-hours each, depending on the man-hour requirements of work to be 

conducted, under rotation systems based on applicable labor regulations. 

Section 4.3.7 presents additional details about resources to be used during this stage. 

Construction Stage Activities 

Activities to be developed in this stage have been defined on the basis of the construction stage 

sequence, which starts with the development of the main access road to transport machinery and 

equipment to the project area in order to complete the first construction activities. 

It is important to note that even during the operations stage, construction activities such as the expansion 

of the tailings dam will continue. For the purpose of this chapter, construction stage activities will include 

tasks to be completed before starting the processing circuit operation, including the startup stage tasks. 

For activities to be completed after the processing circuit operation startup, but to be developed nearly to 

their final level, all tasks associated with this structure construction will be considered part of the 

construction stage. 

In order to understand the construction stage, the following is a general description of the project facilities. 

Mine facilities include pits, waste rock storage facilities and topsoil stockpiles (Figure 4.3.1): 

Pits: The Conga Project involves extraction of mineral and waste rock from the Perol and Chailhuagón 

pits, located almost entirely in the Alto Chirimayo ravine and the Chailhuagón River basins, respectively, 

both in the district of Sorochuco. The Perol pit, in particular, would be developed in an area presently 

occupied by the Perol lake and bog. 

Waste rock storage facilities: Development of the Conga Project will require constructing two waste rock 

storage facilities, Perol and Chailhuagón, which will be located near the respective pits. These dumps 

will be located in the Alto Jadibamba River and the Alto Chirimayo ravine basins, respectively. 

Topsoil stockpiles: To preserve topsoil it will be removed in order to prepare areas where the project 

facilities are to be developed. Topsoil will be stored in four areas located near the major concentration 

areas for this type of removed material. In the project closure stage, the soil stored in these stockpiles 

will be used to reclaim certain areas. 

The processing facilities include a ROM Pad, a primary crushing circuit, a crushed material transportation 

system, a coarse ore stockpile and a concentrator plant (Figure 4.3.2): 

ROM Pad: Considering the possible mismatch of material to be generated by pit blastings, i.e., ROM 

material, particularly in the first mining months, this Pad is projected to be used in the proximity of the 

primary crushing circuit in the Alto Chirimayo ravine basin. 

Primary crushing circuit: The primary crushing circuit, which will be located along the path that connects 

the Perol and Chailhuagón pits, in the Alto Chirimayo ravine basin, will allow reducing the ROM material 

size significantly, using a rotary crusher. 

Crushed material transportation system: It is mainly comprised of a conveyor belt system that will carry 

the material from the primary crushing system to the concentrator plant, the latter being located 

approximately 2.4 km from the former. 

Coarse ore stockpile: This stockpile, which will allow temporary storage of material transported from the 

crusher, will be located in the proximity of the concentrator plant, specifically in the milling area, on the 

border of the Alto Chirimayo ravine and the Alto Jadibamba River basins. 

Concentrator plant: This facility, where the concentrate will be obtained and thickened tailings will be 

generated as material wastes, will be constructed almost entirely in the Alto Jadibamba and the 

Chailhuagón river basins and will include the following items: milling facilities, flotation circuit, thickening 

and filtering system and concentrate storage and loading area. 

The tailings management facilities include a tailings transportation and disposal system, a tailings storage 

facility, a seepage collection system, and decant or supernatant pond water recovery system (Figure 



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4.3.3): 

Tailings storage facility: The tailings storage facility will be located mainly in the upper portion of the Alto 

Jadibamba River basin and has been designed to contain thickened tailings generated in the 

concentrator plant. This facility will be limited by the basin borders and by two dams to be constructed 

for this purpose: the main dam and the Toromacho dam. 

Tailings transportation and disposal system: This system will be used to transport the thickened tailings 

from the concentrator plant to the tailings storage facility and to distribute them within this facility. 

Seepage collection system: This system is intended to control the eventual seepage that may flow 

through the main dam and Toromacho dam. For the main dam, this system will be comprised of 

another smaller dam for seepage collection and subsequent return to the tailings storage facility while 

the Toromacho dam will include a seepage collection sump with a return system to the tailings storage 

facility. 

Supernatant pond water recovery system: This system allows recovering building water in the tailings 

storage facility (supernatant pond) to reuse it in mineral processing. It also allows treating water in the 

acid water treatment plant for further discharge. 

The water management facilities include reservoirs, acid water treatment plant, sediment ponds, 

temporary storage system, and diversion structures (Figure 4.3.4): 

Reservoirs: Water to satisfy the project requirements will be supplied by four reservoirs which will be 

constructed in the Alto Jadibamba, Alto Chirimayo and Chailhuagón basins, known as the upper, lower, 

Perol, and Chailhuagón reservoirs, respectively. Water requirements may be for both mineral 

processing and potential project-related impact mitigation. 

Acid water treatment plant: This plant will serve to treat flows from the different project facilities that 

could not be used or eventually discharged into the environment safely. Another relevant plant function 

will be to maintain the supernatant water pond level and treat all excess water generated in the dry 

season before discharging it into the environment. 

Sediment ponds: These facilities, which will be located in the Alto Chirimayo and Chailhuagón basins, 

will reduce the sediment content in flows from the different facilities to acceptable levels, allowing water 

to discharge into natural drainages in a manner protective of the environment. 

Temporary storage systems: These facilities are intended to store on a temporary basis small volumes 

of water whose characteristics or particular uses require special management. 

Diversion structures: The purpose of these structures is to conveniently direct water flows based on 

their characteristics and to facilitate their appropriate usage and management. 

The borrow areas or quarries (Figure 4.3.5) are strategically distributed within the Conga Project to supply 

construction material to facilities in an efficient manner. 

For ancillary facilities (Figure 4.3.6), which include the power supply infrastructure, administrative and 

maintenance infrastructure, access roads and corridors and special product management infrastructure 

common to most projects, it is not necessary to make an initial presentation before describing the 

construction sequence. 

The following describes the sequence for the most relevant activities to be conducted as a part of the 

project construction stage. 

Based on the developed plans, the Conga Project construction stage will commence in 2011. However, 

some tasks, duly considered in prior permits, will allow for early completion of certain activities such as 

access roads and the construction camp. 

The first construction activities will start with the civil works program in the second quarter of 2011. This 

program includes construction of the access road to the project area, roads to the plant and upper 



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eservoir, cofferdam and upper reservoir dam and its control structures (diversion canals and sediment 

ponds). The upper reservoir will be used to store water required for the next construction activities. 

Once the construction program has started, the Perol reservoir will be constructed and the Perol lake 

drained. Once the required water supply is available, the next step will be to construct the project-related 

infrastructure (fire protection system, drainage system, etc.), internal roads, diversion canals, and other 

earthworks associated with the tailings storage facility and reservoirs, as well as earthworkds required to 

prepare the crusher foundations, milling and floatation circuits, tailings storage facility, acid water 

treatment plant, and other mining facilities. After preparing the platforms, concrete structures will be 

constructed for some facilities. 

Finally, after preparing the foundations, all structural, mechanical, electrical, piping and instrumentation 

works (SMPE&I) will be carried out. 

Table 4.3.1 presents details of activities involved in the construction stage. The following section 

describes such activities, ordered in accordance with the facility associated with them. 

4.3.1 Mine Facilities 

4.3.1.1 Pits 

For pit development, the construction activities mainly involve drainage of the existing water bodies, 

clearing and grubbing, topsoil removal, and pre-mining works. For the Perol pit, given its location in the 

area of the Perol lake and bog some additional tasks will be carried outlake. The following describes the 

work expected to be required for initial development of each pit. 

Perol Pit 

Approximately 50 percent of the Perol pit area is covered by a bog comprised of topsoil and inorganic soil 

with high water content and acidic pH; therefore, construction activities will start with the removal and 

transportation of this material to the Perol waste rock storage facility. Table 4.3.2 summarizes the 

physical and chemical characteristics of the Perol bog. Based on the study conducted by Knight Piésold 

(Appendix 4.1), the volume of oversaturated material to be removed from the Perol pit area is 

approximately 4.35 Mm 3 . 

This area also includes the Perol lakelake which needs to be drained, such action requiring a reservoir 

(the Perol reservoir) to be constructed southeast of the pit with a volume equal to the water volume of 

Perol Lake. The ransfer of water to the Perol reservoir will start once the reservoir is completed, and is 

expected to take approximately three months. 

Taking into account the challenges to be faced in the Perol bog removal, transportation, and disposal, the 

“Perol Bog Management Plan” has been prepared and is presented in Appendix 4.1. The Perol bog 

removal will start one year before starting the mining operations. 

According to this plan, the following will be the main tasks to be carried out: 

Construction of diversion canals and sediment management structures in order to ensure appropriate 

management of bog flows. 

Preparation of a large sump in the rock where bog drainage flows will be directed; the volume deposited 

in the sump will be directed through ground surface piping to the supernatant pond to prevent the 

erosion of the tailings storage facility. 

Removal of bog by the extraction of material from beneath, that is, bedrock mining, sending the material 

to the loading equipment (Ex2500 excavators). The bog will be removed in stages in order to reduce 

problems associated with water and material flows into the work area. 

Discharge of the extracted material, whether in the Perol waste rock storage facility or in the tailings 

storage facility. 



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Access road improvement tasks and construction of a containment embankment in the bog storage 

area will be carried out using the available material in order to carry out the above described activities. 

After the bog removal, the following activities will be conducted: removal of unsuitable material (waste 

rock), preparation of haul and access roads, water control structures and power supply lines. These last 

items are related to a power supply system to be installed in the pit to power the electric excavators 

required once the pit works are advanced. 

Waste rock will be stored in the Perol waste rock storage facility, which will be located in the Alto 

Jadibamba River basin. During the first four years of the project, which mainly involves construction 

works, approximately 50 Mt of waste material is expected to be removed from this pit. 

Chailhuagón Pit 

Activities in the Chailhuagón pit area will start with access road construction as is the case of the Perol 

pit. Once the primary roads are established, clearing and grubbing will be carried out, including the 

removal of topsoil and unsuitable material. 

Waste rock will be stored in the Chailhuagón waste rock storage facility and, in some cases, will be used 

to construct the Chailhuagón haul road, the ROM Pad platform, and other minor platforms. This is 

possible because, based on the geochemical characterization and associated tests, the material from this 

pit is non-PAG (i.e., not potentially acid generating). 

During the construction stage, water management in the pit will consist of intercepting water flowing into 

the central area and initially treating it in the Chailhuagón sediment pond. This water will later be treated 

for sediment within the pit. 

4.3.1.2 Waste Rock Storage Facilities 

As explained above, the Conga Project development will require constructing two waste rock storage 

facilities, Perol and Chailhuagón, located near their respective pits in order to reduce the haul road path. 

The total waste rock from the Perol and Chailhuagón pits will be approximately 581 Mt throughout the life 

of mine. Nearly all waste rock will be disposed in the waste rock storage facilities and a small portion will 

be used to construct roads, particularly the Chailhuagón haul road. 

To make the loads generated by the waste rock disposal reliably stable, construction tasks associated 

with this infrastructure will be mainly related to clearing and grubbing, topsoil and unsuitable material 

removal, and underdrain system installation. 

The following presents some of the main details in the construction of each of the waste rock storage 

facilities. 

Perol Waste Rock Storage Facility 

Preparing the waste rock storage facility foundation will involve excavating the topsoil lifts and, in some 

specific areas, removing the peat, saturated soils, and bogs to a depth where competent foundation 

material can be found. The depth required to reach the foundation level will vary from 0.2 to 4.8 m, 

although it may increase in some areas where bogs are located. Diversion canals will be constructed in 

order to divert water which has not been in contact with the mine facilities, and sediment control 

structures will be constructed for canals in contact with cut/fill areas. This work will be carried out parallel 

to pit development so that sufficient mine fronts are in place to discharge the waste rock material. 

Constructing this facility requires removing two lakes, Azul and Chica, with approximate volumes of 

400,000 m 3 and 100,000 m 3 , respectively. Water from these lakes will be directed to the lower reservoir 

to be used in the construction of early project structures. 



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The Perol waste rock storage facility has been designed, and will be constructed, to reduce the potencial 

effects of this type of facility on the environment through appropriate seepage and runoff management 

and other measures. The general design criteria, also applicable to the operating stage, are presented in 

Table 4.3.3. 

For the Perol waste rock storage facility, underdrain pipes will be constructed before placing the waste 

rock to catch seepage and canal it to the tailings storage facility and specifically to the supernatant water 

pond through a pipeline (Figure 4.3.7). In the decant water pond, there will be a barge provided with 

vertical pumps to send excess water to the acid water treatment plant. Once treated, water may be 

discharged through pipes to the lower reservoir. The specific details of this management are shown in 

the operations section and in Appendix 4.2. 

Chailhuagón Waste Rock Storage Facility 

The area characterization studies identified a soft and fibrous peat layer at a depth that varies from 0.1 to 

0.9 m over calcareous bedrock and glacial deposits. These deposits may be described as very dense 

clayey or silty sand and are located at depths from 0.3 to 4.2 m. In areas adjacent to the existing bog at 

the foot of the waste rock storage facility, there is an area of peat layers, followed by clayey soil from 0.5 

to 1.5 m in thickness. Based on this, it was determined that – in order to provide foundation stability – 

material will need to be removed down to competent bedrockrequiring removal of material in layers that 

could vary from 0.4 to 4.7 m in thickness. 

Like the Perol waste rock storage facility, the Chailhuagón waste rock storage facility has been designed 

and will be constructed to reduce the potencial impacts of the facility. In addition, Table 4.3.4 presents 

the general design criteria for Chailhuagón waste rock storage facility. 

For water management, underdrain pipes will be installed for Chailhuagón waste rock storage facility to 

catch seepage and discharge it into the Chirimayo sediment pond. Specific details of this management 

are presented in the operations section and in Appendix 4.2. 

4.3.1.3 Topsoil Stockpiles 

In order to store the topsoil removed as a part of the construction tasks, four stockpiles will be installed in 

different fronts of the mining operation area in accordance with the design presented in Appendix 4.3 and 

whose main characteristics are summarized in Table 4.3.5. 

In this way, the topsoil removed from the crushing circuit area, concentrator plant and tailings storage 

facility will be placed in topsoil stockpile No 1, to be located southeast of the tailings containment 

embankment. The topsoil removed from the Perol and Chailhuagón waste rock storage facilities as well 

as from the Perol pit will be stored in topsoil stockpile Nos 2, 4, and 3, respectively, which will be located 

nearby the aforementioned project components (Figure 4.3.1). 

As such, topsoil will be temporarily stored in specially designed stockpiles, to then be used in 

revegetation works as may be required as a part of the reclamation and closure plans. These stockpiles 

will be located in open areas with roads for easy access. 

The most relevant components of topsoil stockpiles include the drainage system, check dams, the 

sediment control system, spillways, access roads, and diversion canals. Likewise, the stockpiles will 

have an approximate 7H: 1V slope in order to prevent stability problems when the wet material enters the 

facility and erosion caused by shallow water flows. In all cases, embankments will be constructed 

downstream of these stockpiles to collect and control the sediments. Specific details of this 

management are presented in the operations section and in Appendix 4.2. 

4.3.2 Processing Facilities 

The Conga Project processing facilities will have a rated capacity of 92,000 tpd. Generally speaking, 

these facilities include a primary crusher, a conveyor belt, and a semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) and 



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all milling circuit, including a cobble crushing and recirculation circuit, followed by a flotation circuit to 

obtain the copper concentrate with gold content. 

A flotation material waste thickening and filtering system will be installed to complete the concentrate 

production. 

The primary work in the construction stage of these facilities includes foundation preparation and 

installation of structures, mechanical equipment, piping networks, and electrical and instrumentation 

components (SMPE&I). 

Water to be used for the milling process will be recycled and reused in the process and excess water will 

be treated in an acid water treatment plant to be then discharged into a reservoir. Tithe construction 

stage also considers installing the infrastructure associated with this scheme, particularly in connection 

with the piping networks. 

The following describes the specific construction activities of the facility components. 

4.3.2.1 Primary Crushing Circuit 

The primary crushing circuit, which will be located in the path connecting Perol and Chailhuagón pits, in 

Alto Chirimayo River basin will consist of a rotary crusher. 

The geotechnical evaluation of the primary crushing site completed by Knight Piésold (Knight Piésold, 

2008) found the bedrock relatively close to the surface; therefore, the area preparation work involves 

removing material to reach levels with appropriate physical stability for the facility to be constructed. 

The construction activities of this facility take into consideration vegetation clearing, land preparation and 

leveling, construction of foundations in areas where mineral will be discharged from trucks and 

construction of supporting structures, as well as the crushing equipment. It also takes into account the 

automatic crusher control and operation equipment and particulate emission control system. 

Water control structures and power supply lines will be installed during the construction stage. The 

description of water control structures for these facilities is included in the water management plan, which 

is summarized in Section 4.3.4 of this document. 

Table 4.3.6 presents some of the mechanisms and devices to be implemented to ensure safe work in this 

crushing circuit. 

4.3.2.2 Crushed Material Transportation System 

The crushed material transportation system mainly consists of a conveyor belt system to carry the 

material from the primary crushing circuit to the concentrator plant. 

The first belt is 136 m long and discharges onto a second belt, which is 2.4 km long and 1.5 m wide, and 

will operate at an average speed of 6.0 m/s with a maximum inclination of 15 degrees. Several paths 

were studied for this belt and the final path selected allows for a reduction in the power requirements. 

Preparation for the area where the belt is going to be installed will include minor cut and fill activities, 

access roads, and water diversion structures. The foundations will be reinforced to ensure the required 

stability. 

Once land preparation is completed, the belt will be installed including, but not limited to, safety meshes, 

covers, and a built-in automatic weighing system. When installation is finished, a complete review of the 

belt structure and alignment will be conducted and the startup system will be in place. 



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Once the electrical control and cabling are completed, the startup engines will be aligned to be reviewed 

as proposed by the construction team. The construction team will make the final arrangements, engage 

the startup and install everything necessary as shown in the construction drawings. 

4.3.2.3 Coarse Ore Stockpile 

The coarse ore stockpile will be located in the proximity of the concentrator plant, specifically in the milling 

area, within the boundary of the Alto Chirimayo ravine and the Alto Jadibamba River basins. In order to 

prepare the coarse ore stockpile platform, the ground needs to be graded and a material recovery system 

constructed. 

Since ore from the pits will have 6.5 percent approximate humidity and the wind speed in the area is 

relatively low, significant dust generation is not anticipated and a permanent covering system will not be 

necessary. However, a dust suppression system will be implemented, including sprinklers to control 

sporadic dust emissions. 

The ore recovery system will consist of four feeders, which will remove the ore from the stockpile to then 

be discharged through a hopper into the SAG mill feeding belt. 

Whenever possible, the feeders will be constructed as a single assembly in order to facilitate their 

installation. For feeder maintenance, devices will be installed to allow for the blockage of ore passage in 

the upper section. 

4.3.2.4 Concentrator Plant 

The concentrator plant will be constructed in areas located almost entirely in the Alto Jadibamba ravine 

and the Chailhuagón River basins, as shown in Figure 4.3.2. This facility includes the following items: 

Cobble crushing and milling facilities 

Flotation and regrinding circuit 

Concentrate thickening/filtering system 

Concentrate storage and delivery area 

Services and reagents 

Tailings thickening and pumping 

Appendix 4.4 presents the concentrator plant description report. 

The construction stage of this facility includes removing material to reach competent rock and reinforcing 

the foundations, which will provide appropriate support for all processing apparatuses and loading 

structures. Likewise, installation of structures, mechanical equipment, piping networks, electrical 

components, and instrumentation will be completed in this stage. 

Regarding preparation for the milling facilities area Knight Piésold conducted a geotechnical evaluation of 

the site (Knight Piésold, 2008) where evidence of substantial faults were not found. The appropriate 

depth to construct the concentrator plant foundations will be approximately 6.0 meters. 

The milling system, which will consist of a SABC circuit (SAG, ball mill, cobble crusher), requires 

constructing a building to feed the flotation system. After successfully mounting the mills and engines, 

the field engineers will prepare the construction protocols. 

The flotation system, which will consist of flash, rougher and cleaner flotation units, will be installed in the 

processing area so that both flash flotation units are located in the milling area and the rougher and 

cleaner flotation units are located outside at a lower elevation than the milling area. Emissions or effluent 

occurrences from the rougher and cleaner flotation units that may have a negative impact on the 

environment are not expected. 



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Flotation cells will be assembled as per the manufacturer’s recommendations and all the information will 

be compiled in a report prepared by field engineers for the construction team. Final adjustments to 

flotation cells will be necessary and made in the final construction stage. 

The construction stage associated with the concentrate thickening/filtering system, as with the remaining 

concentrator plant components, will mainly consist of ground and foundation preparation activities and 

installation of the necessary systems (e.g., SMPE&I). 

Finally, in order to store the concentrate before disposal it will be necessary to construct a structure with 

sufficient capacity to contain 10,000 tons of concentrate, that is, approximately 10 days of production. 

The filtered concentrate will fall onto a conveyor belt which will be discharged into a vessel covered to 

protect the final concentrate against adverse weather conditions. The storage facilities will be 

constructed taking into account distances between the inlet and the concentrate stockpiles to allow for 

safe operations. 

4.3.3 Tailings Management Facility 

The tailings management infrastructure includes the facility itself, dams, the tailings transportation and 

disposal system, the seepage collection system, and the supernatant pond water recovery system. The 

following describes the associated construction activities for each of these facilities. 

4.3.3.1 Tailings Storage Facility 

The tailings storage facility is located in the upper part of the Alto Jadibamba River basin and will be 

constructed to contain 504 Mt of thickened tailings in its final stage. The construction stage of this facility 

is described below. 

The construction stage work will include such main activities as the removal of unsuitable material for 

foundation purposes, the excavation of borrow material, and the construction of the first stages of the 

involved dams. 

For the removal of unsuitable material, work is expected to include the removal of material without the 

geomechanical characteristics required to ensure a good foundation, such as topsoil, which will be stored 

in stockpiles designed for that purpose. 

On the other hand, six areas were analyzed during the studies conducted to investigate the potential 

borrow quarries for the dams. As a result of these studies, some areas within the tailings storage facility 

were determined to be potential borrow areas (Section 4.3.5); however, due to the additional drilling work 

required for this definition the areas to be ultimately used will be delimited with higher accuracy during the 


In the case of the dams, the Conga Project includes five of these structures, three tailings management 

associated dams and two water management dams. Of the three tailings management dams, one of 

them, the seepage management dam, is included within the seepage collection system, and is therefore 

described as part of Section 4.3.3.3. 

For the tailings management dams, the most important embankment, known as the main dam, will be 

101.5 m high in its final stage, while the second embankment, Toromacho dam, will be as high as 66.5 

meters. The main dam will be constructed in the Alto Jadibamba River basin, while the Toromacho dam 

will be located in the basin of the same name. Further details about each of these dams are presented in 

their corresponding sections. 

As summarized in Table 4.3.7, these dams will be generally constructed in stages, depending on the 

project objectives and requirements. The dams have been designed taking into account the rainfall with a 



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25-year return period of rainfall and a maximum 24-hour storm event. From 2004 to 2005, geological, 

geotechnical and hydro-geological studies and investigations were completed in the areas selected for 

the dams (Appendix 4.5) to ensure the feasibility of these dams. 

In addition, a study focused on seepage and groundwater movement was completed in 2009 in the Alto 

Jadibamba River basin and its results are presented in Table 4.3.8. 

Based on the design, the dams will be constructed with containment walls with a central core zone made 

of clayey sand and compacted sand or rock fill layers. In order to improve the dam stability, transition 

material, filters and drains will be considered. Appendix 4.6 generally presents the dam design details. 

The studies conducted allow the estimation that the dam core zones, which will be placed on rock 

outcroppings to reduce seepage, may be constructed with local available materials. Additionally, and 

taking into account storm events, emergency spillways will be incorporated for the main dam. 

Considering that the dam construction work will continue even during the operation stage, the description 

of this section particularly focuses on the characteristics of the base of the structure. However, 

considering that the Toromacho dam will be required late in the second year of mine operations, the 

description of its construction stage is included in this section as an exception. 

For the main dam, the starter embankment will be constructed to 3,771 m, with a nominal height of 76 m 

and will require 3.2 Mm 3 of backfill; while the Toromacho dam starter embankment will be as high as 

3,778 m, with a nominal height of 48 m and 2.0 Mm 3 of backfill. Finally, the seepage management dam 

will have a nominal height of 25 m and will require 0.1 Mm 3 of backfill. 

4.3.3.2 Tailings Transportation and Disposal System 

The Conga Project will generate thickened tailings which will be transported and stored in a special facility 

for which it will be necessary to construct a piping and diversion canal system to provide appropriate 

water and tailings management. 

The tailings generated in the concentrator plant will be deposited in thin lifts to allow this mass to settle 

and dry before placing the next tailings lift. With this in mind, the discharge system will require long pipes 

and multiple discharge valves. 

Constructing the tailings disposal system will include two main pipes to transport and discharge tailings 

and an emergency pipe. The main pipes will be the north pipe and south pipe with a final capacity of 

100 percent tailings flow in each pipe. The emergency pipe will have the same capacity. 

Given the growth to be experienced by the tailings storage facility, two piping systems (platforms) are 

proposed to be constructed for the tailings storage facility throughout the life of the mine. The first system 

will come into operation for the first three years of life and after the third year a final piping system 

platform will be constructed and operated through the end of the life of mine. These platforms will have 

10-m wide corridors, and the pipes will be located downhill to reduce the power requirements for 

pumping. These platforms will be constructed with waste material. 

In the first three years of operation, the main pipes will be constructed from the tailings concentrator plant 

outlet to the furthest internal dam and will include secondary pipes to reach other internal dams. An 

emergency pipe has also been considered in case of any unusual situation that may arise in the tailings 

thickening plant. 

From the fourth year on, the main pipes will be relocated to increase the available tailings storage facility 

area, maintaining the idea that each main pipe will be able to transport 100 percent of the thickened 

tailings. The discharge valves will be located on average every 100 to 200 m. 



4-11

4.3.3.3 Seepage Collection System 

Taking into account the characteristics of the tailings storage facility flows under a conservative scenario, 

it is necessary to install a seepage collection system in the Alto Jadibamba River and Toromacho ravine 

basin, to prevent flows passing through the main pipes and Toromacho dam from affecting the baseline 

environmental conditions downstream of these structures. 

The seepage management dam is projected to be constructed in the Alto Jadibamba River basin between 

the main dam and the lower reservoir dam. This dam, which is smaller than the five dams to be 

constructed, with 25 m of height and a constructed volume of 0.1 Mm 3 , will allow for the accumulation of 

the controlled seepage to return it to the tailings storage facility impoundment area through a pumping 

system. 

In addition, a seepage sump will be constructed in Toromacho ravine to send the seepage to the system, 

specifically to the tailings storage facility impoundment area, through a water interception, diversion and 

collection structure system that delivers water to a pumping system. 

The operations section provides a more detailed description of the characteristics of the seepage 

collection system. 

4.3.3.4 Supernatant Pond Water Recovery System 

Within the tailings storage facility, there will be a supernatant pond as a result of the accumulated 

seepage, runoff, and rainfall water flows. This pond is fed by a number of sources, including, but not 

limited to, the Perol waste rock storage facility, thickened tailings water and contact water canals. 

As shown below, the supernatant pond flows may be used in the concentrator plant mining processes or 

transported to the acid water treatment plant; therefore, a water recovery system will be constructed for 

supernatant water. 

This system will mainly involve the removal of earth to install the pipes that will carry water from the pond 

to a transfer tank or to the collection pond, located in the concentrator plant. Water flowing into the 

storage tank will be pumped by other pipes to the acid water treatment plant, while water at the collection 

pond will be used as mining process water. 

Once pipes are installed, vertical pumps will be mounted on floating structures to pump water from the 

pond to the pipes. 

4.3.4 Water Management Facilities 

The water management infrastructure includes reservoirs, an acid water treatment plant, sediment ponds, 

temporary supply systems, and diversion canals. The construction activities associated with each of 

these facilities are described below. 

4.3.4.1 Reservoirs 

Considering the positive water balance of the area, the project will use as its main water source, in both 

the construction and operations stages, the volumes existing in the area that can be stored in an artificial 

and natural (to a lesser degree) manner within the project boundaries, as described in the Alternative 

Analysis chapter (Chapter 8). 

In the case of artificially stored water, the project will require construction of impoundments to serve as 

reservoirs and accumulate water during the wet season and use this water during the dry season in order 

to ensure the provision of the resource to fulfill project requirements. 

Additionally and taking into account the socioeconomic relevance of water in the area, the water storage 

system design is also considered as an important objective to efficiently mitigate potential negative social 

and environmental impacts. These potential impacts will be related to the use of mine operation water 



4-12

and the direct infrastructure site, with the subsequent reduction of effective uptake areas and the effects 

of water storage caused by natural elements such as lakes and hydromorphic vegetation. 

Considering this, installation of an upper reservoir has been considered for the construction stage in order 

to provide sufficient water for construction activities. However, in order to construct the access roads to 

the upper dam, a quarry, the upper reservoir cofferdam, and a diversion canal northeast of the upper 

reservoir, considering compaction, concrete preparation and dust suppression tasks, the water 

requirement is estimated to be 200,000 m 3 . 

Once the upper reservoir construction is completed, water may be stored for construction purposes. 

Then, the lower reservoir dam will be constructed just as the upper reservoir and will be located within the 

Alto Jadibamba River basin. 

Likewise, the Perol and Chailhuagón reservoirs will be constructed in order to mitigate the possible 

impacts on the water flow rates in the Chailhuagón River basin and Alto Chirimayo ravine. 

The following describes each of these reservoirs individually as well as the construction tasks associated 

with them. 

Upper Reservoir 

This reservoir is located in the upper portion of the Alto Jadibamba River basin and will be constructed to: 

1) mitigate the impacts on water flows in the Toromacho ravine basin and compensate water used by 

communities in this basin, 2) provide fresh water to the processing facilities and 3) provide drinking water 

to the mine and the plant. 

In order to construct the upper reservoir, the unsuitable material and topsoil will be first removed, and the 

associated dam will then be constructed in stages on competent bedrock with low hydraulic conductivity. 

The dam will have a clay core zone filled with rock, as well as filters, spillways, drains and diversion 

canals. 

As described above, during construction of this reservoir dam, water will be provided from water bodies 

near to the project footprint. In order to use these natural resources, MYSRL will obtain the necessary 

environmental permits in compliance with legislation requirements. 

The dam will be 56 m high and have a construction volume of 0.8 Mm 3 , while the reservoir capacity will 

be 7.6 Mm 3 . 

Lower Reservoir 

This reservoir will be located in the Alto Jadibamba River basin, before the confluence of the Jadibamba 

River and Lluspioc ravine and will mitigate the impacts on lakes and base flows in the basin. Water 

stored in this reservoir will come mainly from the runoff of areas without facilities (e.g., east of the Alto 

Jadibamba River basin) that will be properly derived from an inlet area of approximately 500 ha. In 

addition, the project design contemplates the discharge of tailings storage facility supernatant pond water, 

properly treated in a treatment plant (Section 4.3.5.2), into this reservoir. 

As in the case of the upper reservoir, to construct the lower reservoir it will be necessary to remove the 

unsuitable material and topsoil and then initiate starting construction of the associated dam on competent 

bedrock with low hydraulic conductivity. The dam will have a clay core zone filled with rock, as well as 

filters, spillways, drains and diversion canals. 

During construction of this reservoir dam, water will be provided from the upper reservoir. 

The dam will be 27 m high and have a constructed volume of 0.15 Mm 3 and a water storage capacity of 

1.0 Mm 3 . The flood area will cover approximately 33 ha. 



4-13

Perol Reservoir 

As described above, mining of the Perol deposit during the first stages involves drainage of the Perol lake 

located north of Alto Chirimayo ravine basin. 

The effects of draining the lakelake will be mitigated by transferring water to a new facility, i.e., the Perol 

reservoir, that will have a storage capacity of 800,000 m 3 , equivalentto the water volume currently stored 

in the Perol lake. The reservoir will be generally filled with runoff water from the basin located upstream 

of the reservoir. During the draining of water from the Perol lake, most of the water will be transferred to 

the reservoir which will make it easier to fill up the reservoir in a single wet season. Reservoir water will 

be available to mitigate downstream impacts. Also, this reservoir will provide the water flows required to 

maintain the basin ravine habitats and replace the Perol lake ecosystem. Water from this deposit will not 

be used in the mining process, but exclusively to mitigate the possible impacts on the basin water flows 

that may occur as a result of the project development. 

To construct the dam associated with this reservoir, the unsuitable material and topsoil will be removed in 

order to have competent foundation ground with low hydraulic conductivity. The dam will be constructed 

on the foundation with a low permeability core zone, shells, and filter/drain chimney and blanket in 

selected areas. It will also have water outlet and control systems as well as an emergency spillway. 

All necessary efforts will be made to improve bog creation opportunities around the reservoir with the 

purpose of providing this particular habitat in the environment. 

Chailhuagón Reservoir 

As described in the baseline characterization, the Chailhuagón drainage area contains the Chailhuagón 

and Mala lakes and their characteristics are presented in Section 3.2.11. The project contemplates 

draining the Mala lake into the Chailhuagón reservoir. 

Considering the Chailhuagón lake characteristics (e.g., approximate volume of 1.2 mm 3 and appropriate 

quality for some type of fish life) and in order to mitigate the loss of the Mala lake, a dam will be 

constructed south of the Chailhuagón lake to increase its volume and allow discharges to mitigate the 

impacts caused by the project site. This dam will give rise to the Chailhuagón reservoir, which will 

increase the lake volume by approximately 1.43 Mm 3 (2.6 Mm 3 in total); this will provide additional 

appropriate areas for bog development around this water body. This reservoir will also provide water 

during the dry season and will be exclusively used by communities located downstream. 

In terms of water management, the proposed Chailhuagón reservoir discharges are expected to 

effectively mitigate the flows in this basin since water from this basin will remain in the same place and 

will only require the removal of sediments when necessary. It is important to note that the only water 

treatment required in this basin will be the control of the sediments since the geochemical studies 

completed (Section 3.2.6) have shown that the water quality will remain at acceptable levels. 

In order to construct this dam, it will be necessary to excavate 55,000 m 3 of topsoil, bog and unsuitable 

material and conduct foundation cleaning and compaction tasks. The dam will be 10 m high and 170 m 

long and will have a 12-meter-wide crest. In addition, it will have a water outlet system to provide 

controlled discharge to downstream users and to facilitate the dam drainage in emergency and/or 

maintenance situations. It will also have a spillway. 

The details of the reservoirs are presented in the operations section. 

4.3.4.2 Acid Water Treatment Plant 

In agreement with the studies performed, and as described in the section about the operation stage, the 

construction and operation of a water treatment plant has been contemplated, as the characteristics of 

the water that will be stored in the tailings storage facility (supernatant), which consists in a mix of flows in 



4-14

contact with material from the Perol waste rock storage facility and the tailings storage facility itself, do not 

allow an environmentally safe discharge. 

This plant design (Appendix 4.7) is based on the results provided by Telesto in 2009, while tests were 

conducted by Pocock Industrial, Inc. This plant, with a treatment rated capacity of 850 m 3 /h, will be 

located in the Alto Jadibamba River basin (Figure 4.3.4) and will require the following activities during the 

construction stage: 

Removal of topsoil 

Soil and rock structural excavations 

Soil backfill, which involves using sand and gravel granular material where required, in order to perform 

civil work 

Fences 

Civil work, which include placing the concrete structure, pipeline support, columns, platforms, metal 

structures and facility foundations, etc. 

The water treatment circuit includes installation of alkalization tanks, pre-treatment tanks, stabilization 

tanks, feed tanks, two reactor clarifiers, collection tanks, and a sand filtering system, before water is 

discharged into the lower reservoir. 

The sulfuric acid plant, the lime plant, the electric substation, the sludge treatment plant, the 

pre- treatment plant and the (anionic and cationic) flocculant plant are also part of this system; therefore, 

assembling the SMPE&I (structural, mechanical, piping, electrical and instrumentation) components 

associated with these facilities are part of the treatment plant construction stage as a whole. 

4.3.4.3 Other Water Storage Systems 

The Conga Project contemplates the installation of temporary or emergency water storage systems, 

which, given their characteristics such as environmental capacity or relevance, are presented grouped as 

follows. 

Collection Pond 

This pond, to be located downstream of the concentrator plant, will be covered by an HDPE 

geomembrane and designed to hold contact water in the plant area and water storage from any tank 

drained due to an emergency. The total capacity of this pond will be 73,600 m 3 . This volume includes 

storing runoff from the project area and a contingency volume of 30,000 m 3 . This capacity was designed 

for a maximum 24- hour storm event with a 100-year return period. 

Acid Water Collection Tank 

This tank, to be located between the Perol pit and the Chailhuagón waste rock storage facilities, will 

receive flows - contact water, in this case - from the Perol pit runoff and the pumping system in this 

facility. As it has been designed as a transfer tank, its capacity will be lower and the water contained in 

this facility will be sent to the tailings storage facility and then will be recirculated to the concentrator plant. 

Storage Tanks 

These tanks will supply water for fire protection and potable water systems, for plant and crushing 

processes, for the elaboration of reagents and for the slurry pump seal water system. About 300 m 3 of 

the total tank capacity will be saved for the fire protection system. The water intake will be located at the 

bottom of the tank in order to ensure water for the fire protection system. 

4.3.4.4 Diversion Structures 

As described in the Surface Water and Sediment Management Plan, prepared by Golder, (Appendix 4.2), 

these structures aimed to reduce the quantity of contact water through intercepting runoff before it 

reaches the areas occupied by the project infrastructure with characteristics that may affect flow 

conditions or get mixed with unsuitable water. These structures are also intended to collect and manage 



4-15

all contact water, canaling runoff and seepage from mine facilities to the treatment plant or any other 

facility that allows an environmentally safe flow management. 

Generally, contact water may be divided into two groups, contact water with PAG material (PAG contact 

water) and contact water with non-PAG material (non-PAG contact water). The first comprises surface 

water or groundwater, which has been in contact with or exposed to the Perol pit excavated rock (waste 

rock storage facility), the Perol pit walls, the Perol bog, tailings, the topsoil stockpiles, and stockpiled low 

grade ore (i.e., material with ore content lower than the minimum cut-off grade but still potentially 

economic (LoM)). The second group consists of surface water and groundwater which have been 

exposed to the Chailhuagón pit rock (waste rock storage facility, haul road), the Chailhuagón pit walls, 

and other areas with non-PAG material. 

Non-contact water refers to surface water diverted around the mine facilities or to the groundwater that 

does not emerge at a mine facility. Non-contact water mixed with contact water is considered contact 

water. 

Consequently, the Surface Water and Sediment Management Plan includes non-contact water diversion 

canals to restrict the quantity of this type of water that reaches mine facilities. Additionally, the design 

includes contact water canals, culverts, and drains in order to collect contact water and convey it to a 

sediment facility, to a water treatment plant, to a milling area or to a concentrator plant, as appropriate. 

Construction of facilities in the Alto Jadibamba River basin and the Toromacho ravine is scheduled to 

begin in 2011 and finish in 2013. Diversion canals will be constructed to protect the facilities during 

the2011 dry season. The tailings storage facility, the concentrator plant, the Perol waste rock storage 

facility and two topsoil stockpiles are located within both basins. Additionally, cofferdams will be 

constructed for the main dam, the upper dam and the lower dam, as well as temporary embankments to 

divert non-contact water around the concentrator plant. Non-contact water canals of the Alto Jadibamba 

River and the Toromacho ravine basins are shown in Chart 4.3.1. 

Chart 4.3.1 

Non-Contact Water System in the Alto Jadibamba River and the Toromacho Ravine Basins 

Scope of the 

Canal 

NC-F 

NC-A1/A2 

NC-B 

NC-C 

Location Discharges to: 

To the north of the 

Perol waste rock 

storage facility and 

the tailings storage 

facility 

To the south of two 

topsoil 

stockpiles and the 

tailings storage 

facility 

Begins at the upper 

reservoir and 

continues along the 

west side of 

the tailings storage 

facility 

Along the west side of 

the main 

Dam 

Lower reservoir 

via pipeline 

Upper reservoir via 

pipeline 

Mamacocha ravine 

via pipeline 



4-16 

Type A1 Ravine 

Interception 

Structures 

Lower reservoir via a 

natural ravine 1 

6 

2 

4

Construction will begin in 2011 and finish in 2013 in the Alto Chirimayo ravine. Diversion canals will be 

constructed during the dry season of the first construction year, except for two canals scheduled for later 

stages. The Chailhuagón waste rock storage facility and its haul road, the primary crushing circuit, the 

mine facilities area, the coarse ore stockpile, the conveyor and the Perol pit are located within this basin. 

Non-acid contact water canals along the conveyor belt, the Chailhuagón haul road and the mine facilities 

road and their corresponding facilities will be constructed simultaneously. This stockpile and the acid 

water canals located around the coarse ore stockpile will be constructed simultaneously. Non-contact 

water canals of the Alto Chirimayo ravine basin are shown in Chart 4.3.2. 

Scope of 

the Canal 

NC-S1 

NC-S2 

NC-G2 

NC-G-us 

NC-G-ds 

NC-I 

NC-M 

NC-P 

NC-N 

Chart 4.3.2 

Non-Contact Water System in the Alto Chirimayo Ravine Basin 


West area of the 

Chirimayo 

topsoil 

stockpile 


Chirimayo 

topsoil 

stockpile 


Chailhuagón waste 

rock storage facility 

Upstream of the 

mine 

facilities 

Upstream of the 

facility accesses 

and the coarse 

ore deposit 

NC-G2 

NC-G2 

NC-G-us 

NC-G-ds 

Alto Chirimayo 

ravine 

(in a 

natural bog 

area) 

On the Perol pit Alto Chirimayo 

ravine 

Above the primary Alto Chirimayo 

crusher 

ravine (in a 

natural bog area) 

To the south of the NC-N via pipeline 

Chailhuagón waste 


Along the west side Alto Chirimayo 

of the 

ravine 

Chailhuagón haul 

road 

Type A2 Ravine 

Interception 

Structures 



4-17 

Type B Ravine 

Interception 

Structures 

0 0 

0 0 

1 1 

3 1 

0 1 

2 0 

0 0 

0 0 

The Chailhuagón pit, a topsoil stockpile, and the Chailhuagón reservoir are included in the Chailhuagón 

River basin for the treatment of surface water. In order to manage surface waters, a non-contact water 

interception system to control runoffs to the pit, a topsoil stockpile and sediment pond, as well as a 

contact water collection system will be constructed. Non-contact water canals of the Chailhuagón River 

basin are shown in Chart 4.3.3.

Scope of 

the Canal 

NC-J 

NC-L-us 

NC-L-ds 

NC-K 

Chart 4.3.3 

Non-Contact Water System in the Chailhuagón River Basin 


West of the 

Chailhuagón pit 

To the East of 

the topsoil 

stockpile 

South of the topsoil 

stockpile, 

of the 


and the 

Chailhuagón 

sediment pond 

To the south of the 


and to the north of 

the Chailhuagón 

sediment pond 

Chailhuagón 

reservoir via 

pipeline to a 

natural ravine 

NC-L-ds 

Chailhuagón 

reservoir 

Type A2 

Interception 

Structures 



4-18 

Type B 

Interception 

Structures 

1 0 

0 1 

2 1 

Chailhuagón 

reservoir via 

pipeline 0 1 

Design criteria for the diversion and collection systems will be developed according to the pertinent best 

practices and are summarized in Table 4.3.9. 

Canals proposed for the various phases will be temporary or permanent and are shown in Figure 4.3.4. 

These canals, designed for a 25-year return period and a maximum 24-hour precipitation event, will have 

a trapezoidal section with a 2H:1V slope, and will include a riprap cover against erosion. Typical cross 

sections of a non-contact water canal and a contact water canal are shown in Figures 5 and 8 of 

Appendix 4.2, respectively. 

On the other hand, canals designed based on a 95 percent volume criterion for the average annual runoff 

will be of trapezoidal section with a 0.5H:1V slope. These canals encompass rock lining as a protection 

measure against erosion. 

All canals and collection and diversion pipelines will require an inspection from time to time for 

maintenance purposes during the life of mine and after closure. Maintenance will include removal of 

sediments and waste, as well as repair of the pipeline system. In the event of canal damage, it must be 

immediately repaired in order to reduce the potential for erosion and damage to the canal. 

4.3.4.5 Sediment Control Structures 

In general, as previously described, the Project design aims to manage the flows present in the area 

distinctively, depending on the required treatment, so that discharge outside of the operation limits is 

environmentally safe. 

In order to attain this goal and provide a specific treatment only to the flows which sediment contents 

prevent them from being discharged to the environment, sedimentation structures will be constructed, 

whose objective will be to reduce the presence of this parameter to environmentally acceptable levels.

For the construction stage, a sediment management plan will be developed that will include the 

construction of sediment management systems for the operation stage before construction of any facility 

located below sediment reduction components The plan will also includetemporary sediment 

management for areas with no sediment management system. 

The recommended practices for managing sediments at the construction stage, upon which these stage 

activities are based, include: 

Efficiently remove topsoil and store it in stockpiles that reduce the action of wind and water erosion 

Reduce, during design, the extension of areas to be disturbed in each basin 

Restore disturbed areas as soon as possible 

Control natural vegetation disturbance during the wet season 

Provide temporary sediment ponds during construction 

Provide embankments and/or fences along trenches 

Frequently inspect and maintain erosion and sediment control 

Sediment control structures may be divided into groups depending on the basin where they will be 

constructed as shown below. 

Alto Chirimayo Ravine Basin 

In the Alto Chirimayo ravine basin, the sediment management system will mainly consist of the Chirimayo 

sediment pond. Temporary ponds and dams will be used during construction of this pond. In order to 

minimize its use during construction, this pond must be constructed during the dry season, before the 

other mine facilities, thus reducing the need for temporary sediment ponds. 

This way, the activities within the Perol reservoir basin (e.g., the Perol reservoir, the explosives storage 

area, access roads) will be located “downstream” of the Chirimayo sediment pond; consequently, 

temporary ponds will be required at the corresponding construction areas. 

The total estimated sediment volume to be reported by the Chirimayo sediment pond during the 

construction of facilities upstream will be approximately 18,000 m 3 . Additionally, the use of roads and the 

other facilities with vehicle traffic (e.g., the Chailhuagón haul road, fuel facilities) will increase the 

sediment volume by 10,000 m 3 . 

A dam with a capacity of 263,400 m 3 will be required for the construction of the sediment pond. This dam 

will be located in the lower part of the eastern flank of the haul road, between the Chailhuagón pit and the 

primary crusher pad. The haul road retaining wall will have enough mass to satisfactorily withstand the 

hydrostatic forces created by the ponded water, and the side surface will be sealed in order to prevent 

seepage. 

Alto Jadibamba River and Toromacho Ravine Basins 

In the Alto Jadibamba River and the Toromacho ravine basins, the sediment management system for the 

operations stage will consist of the Toromacho dam and main dams. Three diversion systems including 

cofferdams for the main dam, the Toromacho dam and the upper dam are proposed for the construction 

stage. Cofferdams will encompass dead storage volume; consequently, they will be able to retain water 

and be used as sediment ponds for construction. In order to reduce the number of ponds required, it will 

be necessary to construct cofferdams and diversion canals before sediment generation activities begin in 

the areas located upstream. 

The upper reservoir cofferdam may be used as a sediment pond for the process plant construction 

activities. Likewise, the main dam cofferdam may be used as a sediment pond for the activities located in 

the Perol waste rock storage facility and the topsoil stockpiles. 

Chailhuagón River Basin 



4-19

The Chailhuagón sediment pond will be constructed in the Chailhuagón River basin for the sediment 

management system. Sediment generating activities will be proposed to take place after the sediment 

pond construction. Temporary sediment ponds will only be required for the development of the topsoil 

storage areas and for the construction of the Chailhuagón reservoir dam. 

A dam, comprised of a clay core and earthfill, will be required for the construction of the Chailhuagón 

sediment pond. This sediment pond capacity is estimated to be 471,292 m 3 . 

The total estimated sediment volume in the Chailhuagón sediment pond during the construction stage for 

facilities upstream will be similar to the sediment pond capacity and will come from the stripping of the 

Chailhuagón pit area. No more sediment generating activities are expected within this basin, which 

means that the sediment pond capacity to store sediments will be full at the beginning of the operations 

stage; therefore, the collected material must be removed. 

In general, the activities to be developed in other basins or to include several basins simultaneously, such 

as implementation of roads, deposits and quarries, will have temporary sediment ponds or dams along 

the facilities to control this parameter. 

Sediment pond dams described will be equipped with spillways designed for a 100 year return period with 

24 hour maximum precipitation. Each sediment pond will be designed with a decant system to drain the 

pond in a controlled manner while retaining sediments. 

The design critera, the geotechnical analysis results and methods carried out for the conceptual design of 

the sediment control system are presented in the Surface Water and Sediment Management Plan, 

prepared by Golder in 2006 and updated in 2009 (Appendix 4.2). The dams were designed by Knight 

Piésold (2008) (Appendix 4.8). Table 4.3.10 summarizes the design criteria for the sediment 

management system, while the Chailhuagón sediment pond drawings – General Configuration and 

Chirimayo sediment pond and the Chailhuagón haul road concrete culvert – General configuration of 

Appendix 4.8 show both structures. 

4.3.5 Borrow Material Stockpiles 

Material with specific characteristics will be required by the Conga Project to begin the construction of 

some facilities. To this effect, the project development implies exploitation of borrow material areas 

(quarries) located in areas determined in previous studies. 

These quarries include, for example, clays for dams associated with tailings storage facilities and 

reservoirs, and aggregates for concrete production, according to studies carried out by Golder in 2004 

and 2005 and Knight Piésold in 2008 and 2009 (Appendix 4.9). Figure 4.3.5 shows the areas identified as 

quarries during these investigations. 

Some clay sources with suitable characteristics have been identified in the area that might be occupied 

by the tailings storage facility, and these sources are expected to provide the lining material when 

necessary and the base material for the tailings dam (Fluor, 2005a). 

The areas associated with the aggregate material sources will be located to the east of the tailings 

storage facility, because studies indicate that rock and limestone outcrops may supply the aggregates 

required for the project, including drainage granular material, concrete or gravel for road surfaces. 

Quarries may generally supply the necessary material to construct the main tailings dam core and the 

Toromacho dam core, the upper dam core and filter material for drainage areas (Golder, 2006b). 

Besides the above mentioned quarries, there are identified quarries located in the Alto Chirimayo ravine 

and the Chailhuagón River basins which show calcareous material outcrops within the Chailhuagón 



4-20

waste rock storage facility footprint in the southern area of the upper reservoir. Potential uses for this 

material are as backfill, non-PAG aggregates, and riprap rock cover. 

Likewise, diorite outcrops have been found in the Chailhuagón River basin, approximately 500 m south of 

the Chailhuagón pit. Other potential quarries with intrusive rock include the northeast area of the Perol 

reservoir and the northwest side of Cerro Perol, between the Perol Lake and the Perol reservoir. This 

material may be used as backfill, riprap, and drainage material. 

Degraded diorite outcrops have been identified in the northern area of the Chailhuagón pit and the area 

between topsoil stockpiles No. 1 and No. 2. This rock may be used as backfill, running surface, riprap 

and drainage material. 

Local deposits of glacial bedrock which varies in size from clay to gravel, along the south and west limits 

of the Chailhuagón reservoir were also found. This material may be used as backfill, prepared foundation 

surfaces and drainage material. 

According to field investigations conducted by Golder in 2004, 2005, and 2008, pit borrow material for 

construction material includes clay for the tailings impoundment dams and concrete aggregates. Tests 

performed confirm this clay suitability as lining material where required and as base material for the 

tailings dam. 

Finally, it is worth noting that the areas shown in Figure 4.3.5 correspond to potential borrow areas, which 

in the most conservative scenario would represent the areas to be disturbed. However, during the 

construction stage, additional studies will be completed to allow a more exact demarcation of quarries 

and to define their characteristics in detail, while the environmental management measures of these 

project elements will be proposed according to the most demanding scenarios. 

4.3.6 Ancillary Facilities 

The ancillary facilities for the Conga Project will include the following: 



Accesses and corridors 

Product and waste management infrastructure 

Other facilities 

4.3.6.1 Power Supply Infrastructure 

The Conga Project will have a 220 kV electric substation, located near the concentrator plant, designed 

with the capacity to contain the line laid from the North Cajamarca substation in the Yanacocha complex. 

From the North Cajamarca substation, additional conductors will be installed in the Gold Mill Project 

electric towers and a 25-km transmission line will be constructed towards the Conga Project substation 

according to the National Electrical Code. The construction of this transmission line will start immediately 

after the beginning of the project, and will be connected to a Yanacocha 22.9-kV power supply in order to 

meet the energy requirements of the construction stage. 

Within the substation, there will be two 220/22.9-kV transformers of 144-MVA, and additionally, an 

electrical room to contain a 220-kV control yard, a 22.9-kV switchgear and control equipment (Fluor, 

2005a). 

The distribution voltage at the substation outlet will be 22.9 kV and will supply power to several rooms of 

the plants and other small substations. Likewise, lines will be laid to feed the conveyor belt, mine 

facilities, primary crusher, pit dewatering pumps, fresh water pumps in the upper reservoir and reclaimed 

water pumps in the lower reservoir. 



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In general, the activities involved in the construction stage of this infrastructure mainly consist in preparing 

the land and placing the SMPE&I components. 

4.3.6.2 Infrastructure of Administrative and Maintenance Activities 

Administrative Offices 

During construction, pre-fabricated offices, to be removed once permanent administrative offices are 

constructed, will be used to house the construction management team and technicians. 

Foundation excavation to competent material will be required for the construction of these offices. 

Generally, the specifications of the National Construction Code of Peru will be followed during 

construction as indicated in Section 4.3. 

The offices will be able to accommodate approximately 400 people (Fluor 2005a) by using modular type 

structures and will include both private offices and common area offices (cubicles) for personnel, as well 

as have meeting areas, a bookstore and cafeteria. 

Likewise, the Project plans the construction of a clinic to provide emergency medical services in the 

project area. If more specialized medical treatment is needed, the patient will be transported to 

Cajamarca. 

Maintenance Infrastructure 

During the construction stage, the construction of maintenance shops has been scheduled in order to 

ensure correct performance of the equipment and machinery to be used at this stage. 

The mine maintenance area will be located to the west of the primary crusher and will include the shop 

operation to provide mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, fuel storage, waste collection, and storage 

services. 

Associated washing areas will consist of cement slabs, a sump, and an oil-water separator. The oil-water 

separator will also receive water from other mine facilities. The separated oil will be sent to drums or 

tanks to be subsequently disposed of according to applicable regulations. The water that comes from the 

separator will be pumped to the storage tank and used to suppress particulate matter in haul roads. 

Likewise, the Project requires the construction of a fuel deposit and supply stations, which will be located 

in an area adjacent to the haul road, between the Chailhuagón and Perol pits. 

4.3.6.3 Accesses and Corridors 

The Conga Project considers the construction or upgrade of roads to allow traffic to and from the project 

area, the internal traffic associated with construction and operation tasks, and the passage of the 

population through the project area (e.g., new north-south and east-west corridors). 

Likewise, as part of this stage, the construction of an access road from Maqui Maqui to the Conga Project 

concentrator plant area will be completed, which represents a critical early activity as it allows the project 

to take advantage of synergies associated with the use of the Yanacocha complex infrastructure. This 

road and others contemplated in the Project are described in the following sub-section. 

Access Roads to the Project Area 

The main access road will be a new route constructed according to a study completed by Buenaventura 

Ingenieros S.A. (BISA) in June 2004 (BISA, 2004a). This preferential access road will include four 

segments: 

From Conga to the area below the Totorococha lake. 

From the area below the Totorococha lake to Maqui Maqui, the eastern limit of MYSRL operations. 

From Maqui Maqui to the MYSRL administrative offices at kilometer 24, which is the route through 

MYSRL properties. 



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From kilometer 24, through the new Kunturwasi road, to Chilete. 

From Chilete to Ciudad de Dios, at kilometer 683 of the North Pan-American Highway. 

Similarly, the construction of access involves extending sections of the existing road as well as the 

construction of new sections from the project concentrator plant and Maqui Maqui. Other changes in the 

road from the Yanacocha complex to Ciudad de Dios may be required, as will be determined by the 

associated assessments. Figure 4.3.8 shows the “Conga - Maqui Maqui-Km 24–Chilete-Ciudad de Dios” 

segments. 

In the section located within MYSRL property, the main access road stretches from the Yanacocha 

complex entry in Maqui Maqui to the Control Booth in the process facilities. The road will be a maximum 

22 m wide, with a maximum passable surface of 13.5 m wide and 16.85 km long (Figure 4.3.9). 

Approximately 40 percent of the road will consist of the extension of the existing roads, while the 

remaining 60 percent will be new. Although the road has been designed to allow CAT 793 haul trucks 

traffic on a low bed, the road will be mainly used for trucks with supplies and other materials for the 

operation. The average annual traffic planned (Mean Annual Index -MAI) varies along the project life but 

always below 100 vehicles per day. 

The road will be irrigated to mitigate dust generation. There will also be 1.5 m wide ditches, together with 

culverts and spillways to manage water on both sides of the road. Ditches have been designed to 

withstand 24-hour storm events for 50 years of return. Likewise, 2.6 m safety berms will be installed with 

1:1 slopes on both sides of the road. In the areas where safety berms and ditches are available, the road 

will have a maximum width of 22 m (13.5 m of road +3 m of ditches +5.2 m of safety berms). Topsoil to 

be removed as part of the road construction will be stored in stockpiles to be used in remediation. 

Internal Roads in the Project Area 

Development of internal access roads will start early during the Project construction stage as part of the 

site development and preparation schedule. These roads that are within the limits of the project provide 

access to several project facilities and areas, and may be sub-divided into haul roads, main access, and 

service roads. 

Haul Roads 

The main haul road will be located between the Perol and Chailhuagón pits, the primary crusher, and the 

mine maintenance facilities, while the Chailhuagón haul road will be located in the Alto Chirimayo ravine 

basin. In general, these roads will be 42 m wide at the most in order to allow haulage truck traffic. 

In some cases, haul road preparation will require excavation of peat, soft soils and glacial deposits to 

reach competent bedrock located between 19 and 31 m deep. The Chailhuagón haul road will be 

constructed with rock brought from the haul road alignment and the Chailhuagón pit. 

Haul roads will be adequately maintained in order to ensure safety, efficient transport and decreasing 

particulate matter emissions. The specifications on which a standard haul road construction is based, in 

this case the Chailhuagón haul road, are described in Table 4.3.11. 

Main Access and Service Roads 

The main access road from the Yanacocha complex will allow access to the Conga Project area by the 

western side and will reach its first intersection where the main access booth is located. From this 

intersection, an access road will continue to the facilities located in the north sector of the project such as 

the tailings storage facility, the lower reservoir, the acid water treatment plant, and the supernatant pond. 

From this intersection, the main access road will continue to the south to reach the process facilities. At 

this point, the main access will be divided again into two to provide access to the facilities located in the 

south sector of the project such as the Chailhuagón reservoir, the Chailhuagón sediment pond, and a 

second intersection to continue with the main access, extended beyond the mine and primary crushing 

facilities. 



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Sections of the existing roads will be used as part of the new main access road, which will require their 

improvement. 

In addition to the main access road, there will be service roads planned for maintenance and service. In 

total, several internal roads have been considered for the Conga Project (Fluor, 2005a and 2009). Table 

4.3.12 presents each road with its specifications. 

All access roads will be constructed with appropriate drainage control and sediment management 

structures. Figure 4.3.6 shows the existing roads as well as those proposed. 

New North-South and East-West Corridors 

As has been planned, the Conga Project development will include areas currently occupied by access 

roads, which are used by the area population when passing from and to the different villages. 

In order to keep the traffic between villages to the least possible variation level, and based on the analysis 

of alternatives presented in Section 8.5.6 of the corresponding chapter, the project considers the 

construction of a road system to maintain the circulation potential through the project area, which is 

presented in Figure 4.3.6. 

As indicated in the referenced figure, the new north-south corridor will start at a little more than 500 m to 

the south of the Cortada Lake, on the existing road and will run parallel to the Lluspioc ravine up to the 

lower reservoir dam. From this point, the corridor will join the project service road that links the north 

sector facilities with the main access, extending to the south to the Chailhuagón reservoir, where it will 

finally head to the San Nicolás hamlet. 

The east-west corridor will start approximately 500 m east of the Chirimayo sediment pond on the existing 

road and will extend west, crossing the Chailhuagón haul road through a tunnel and to the north of the 

Chirimayo sediment pond. The corridor will extend parallel to a coarse ore conveyor belt, following the 

land topography and will join the main access road in an area near the coarse ore stockpile. Continuing 

by Project service roads and to the north, approximately 1 km south of the Toromacho dam, the corridor 

will diverge to finally join the existing road to Namacocha and Quengorío Alto. 

The construction of these corridors will require construction of 17 km of paved roads, and will be 

completed by cut and fill operations. 

4.3.6.4 Product and Waste Management Infrastructure 

The Project development implies the use of certain supplies that, due to their characteristics, require 

specific management given their capacity of generating changes in the quality of the environment in 

situations where these products may be planned or accidentally released. Likewise, waste will be 

generated during the development of the project, thus requiring an appropriate final environmentally safe 

disposal plan according to applicable regulations. 

Among the products to be used in the project requiring specific management are fuels, oils and greases, 

explosives, ammonium nitrate, and reagents. The project design has considered the construction of 

appropriate infrastructure associated with the management of these products. 

On the other hand, the Project will imply generating wastes such as recyclable material, non-hazardous 

solid waste, hazardous waste, and liquid waste, thus requiring the construction of corresponding 

infrastructures. 

The Waste Management Plan (Section 6.4) includes details for managing waste that may damage the 

environment. 



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Description of the facilities associated with these products, wastes, and related construction activities is 

presented below: 

Fuel Management Facilities 

A permanent station will be constructed to store and distribute fuel. This station will be completed with 

secondary retaining areas. The permanent storage and distribution station will be constructed next to the 

Chailhuagón haul road, with a storage and distribution facility for light vehicles adjacent to the mine 

service complex, near the primary crusher. 

Construction of these facilities involves preparing the land and placing the SMPE&I components. 

Reagent Management Facilities 

Two different areas for reagents will be constructed within the concentrator plant area: one for the 

flotation reagents and the other for preparing and distributing flocculants. The flotation reagent mixing 

and maintenance area will be outdoors near the flotation area. 

The reagent storage area will consist of rectangular concrete platforms with curved walls capable of 

containing volumes equal to or greater than 110 percent of the content of the largest reagent tank. The 

warehouse floor will have sumps to control spillage, directing the spilled content within a safe circuit. 

This area will comprise six zones for storing the primary collector, two frothers, the secondary collector 

(PAX), a modifier, and the sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS). 

The flocculant preparation/distribution area for thickening the concentrate will be located next to the 

concentrate thickener. 


Explosives Handling Facilities 

The Project considers the construction of facilities intended to store explosives, ammonium nitrate, 

ammonium nitrate emulsions, and detonators which will be located southeast of the Perol pit and 

the Chailhuagón haul road. 


Non-Hazardous Solid Waste Management Facilities 

Non-hazardous solid waste from the construction stage of the Project will be collected by a contractor or a 

Solid Waste Trading Company (EC-RS, by its initials in Spanish), which must have the corresponding 

permits to provide the waste collection and transport service to a temporary facility for discharge. This 

temporary facility will be designed, constructed, and operated according to the best environmental 

protection practices. 

Construction of these facilities involves preparing the land and placing the required infrastructure. 

Hazardous Waste Management Facilities 

Storage facilities for hazardous materials generated at this stage will be constructed with secondary 

containers in order to prevent environmental impacts. The waste storage tanks will be able to contain the 

maximum system capacity. All tanks will meet the supplier recommendations and applicable regulations. 

Hazardous waste, such as printing cartridges, used batteries, fluorescents and electronic waste, will be 

temporarily stored in special areas until they are delivered to a Solid Waste Service Providing Company 

(EPS-RS, by its initials in Spanish), with the corresponding permits and registered in the General Bureau 

of Environmental Health (DIGESA). 



4-25

In the case of hydrocarbons, storage facilities will include installation of containment sumps to receive 

potential spillage and take it to a water/oil trap. 

Additionally, the Project includes the construction of a volatilization pad to adequately manage soils 

impregnated with hydrocarbons as a result of dripping or spillage. The soil with hydrocarbon waste will 

be placed on the pad until it reaches acceptable hydrocarbon levels through volatilization, to 

subsequently transfer the soil to a stockpile. 

As presented in subsequent chapters, the Conga Project will also have an Emergency and Contingency 

Response Plan (Section 6.3) for specific situations, in order to ensure that any spill may be located, 

contained, and removed. 

Likewise, the Conga Project will implement a Waste Management Plan which will contain the necessary 

guidelines for the appropriate handling of chemicals and waste generated as part of the project. The plan 

will include the requirements of the current regulations and sector guidelines. This plan will be applicable 

to all the Conga Project operations and include all involved companies (contractors and suppliers). 

Considering the above, with respect to the hazardous waste management, construction of the associated 

facilities involves preparing the land and placing the required infrastructure. 

Sewage Management Facilities 

The Conga Project considers the operation of a domestic and industrial effluent management system for 

process and mine facilities which will discharge the flows into the tailings storage facility while sludge 

generated will be mixed with the tailings in the referred facility. According to the estimated sludge 

volumes, these represent only a reduced fraction of the total material to be disposed of in the tailings 


For the estimations of the generation of sewage during the construction stage, a volume per person of 

approximately 20 liters of effluent per day has been considered. Taking into account that the construction 

stage has been scheduled for a 42-month period, and that a number of 6,000 workers is expected to be 

attained, it is estimated that effluent generation would reach a monthly peak of approximately 3,600 m 3 . 

Before this sewage management system is implemented, a specialized and authorized contractor 

company will be in charge of managing this waste. 

4.3.6.5 Other Facilities 

Laboratory 

A laboratory will be installed near the process facilities for preparing samples, and their analysis will be 

carried out in a laboratory located in the Yanacocha complex. 

Likewise, the laboratory to be constructed in Conga will have a small metallurgical laboratory to allow 

assays in the plant and simple tests; therefore, construction tasks will mainly refer to land preparation and 

placing of the required infrastructure. 

Communications Center 

The Conga Project will implement a telephone system with an Internet Protocol system (IP), which will 

support the network with digital telephone lines. The system will make an interface with the mobile radio 

link system of very high and ultra-high frequency (VHF-UHF) and a telephone network (Fluor, 2005a). 

The implementation of a mobile communication system will also be considered which will include the 

mine, the primary crusher, the conveyor belt and the concentrator plant. This system will include 

VHF/UHF radio communication in vehicles. 



4-26


Concrete Plants 

In order to cover the project concrete requirements, two plants will be constructed, one of them located 

near the concentrator plant with a capacity of 120 m 3 /h, and the second, located in the vicinity of the 

primary crusher, with a capacity of 60 m 3 /h. 


Warehouse 

The storage building and the storage yard will be located in the mine equipment area (between the 

primary crusher and the process plant) with a total surface of 9,000 m 2 (the warehouse alone will have an 

area of 2,300 m 2 ). The building will be of steel construction with lined walls and roof. The facility will be 

completed with the storage area, the receipt and delivery dock, material dispensers and offices. 


4.3.7 Required Resources and Supplies 

4.3.7.1 Human Resources 

The Conga Project construction stage is scheduled for a 42-month period and will employ approximately 

900 people during the first months, attaining 6,000 workers at peak time, for performing specialized and 

non-specialized tasks. 

Taking the project social context into consideration, the Conga Project will prioritize hiring people from 

local communities for the project, training them previously if necessary. The hiring program, which is 

presented in the Social Management Plan (Chapter 7), is based on the Newmont experience on projects 

of similar characteristics. 

Once they join the Project, workers will receive benefits according to law. 

4.3.7.2 Water Supply during Construction 

The Project development during the construction stage will require water supply to enable completing 

tasks such as preparation of construction material and watering of roads to control particulate matter 

emissions, among others. 

Water supply during this stage will mainly come from water collection in the upper reservoir, which will 

store the excess of precipitation in the upper part of the Alto Jadibamba River basin, which in turn will be 

one of the first facilities to be constructed. As a result, water will be available to complete the initial 

construction activities. 

While the upper reservoir is under construction, the required water will be obtained from natural water 

bodies present in the area, according to the permits to be obtained during the subsequent stages. In view 

of the positive water balance in the work area and the relatively lower quantity of water required during 

this stage (less than 200,000 m 3 ), an extensive effect on the environment is not expected. 

It is also worth mentioning that most of the water used during the construction stage will be properly 

treated and returned to the environment. 

4.3.7.3 Power Supply during Construction 

As described in the section referring to electric power supply infrastructure, power for the Conga Project 

will be supplied by the 220-kV national network from the North Cajamarca substation. The maximum 

demand during the Conga Project life is estimated to be 144-MVA with a power factor of 0.937, but 

demand during the construction stage will be significantly lower. 



4-27

During the first months of the construction stage, the installation of the 25-km high voltage transmission 

line will begin in order to ensure power supply for tasks requiring power during this stage. 

While the high voltage line is not yet operative, power will come from diesel generators which will be 

located in a permanent place to be used in case of an emergency, even during operations. Each 

generator to be installed will have three units of 1,200 kW each, totaling 7,200 kW of installed capacity. 

Both generators will be able to operate in parallel, connected to a 22.9-kV system. 

4.3.7.4 Fuel Supply 

During the construction stage, the Project will require fuel supply, oils, and lubricants for vehicles, 

machinery, and equipment that will be used in the various tasks required at this stage (e.g. earthworks). 

These products will be acquired locally in Cajamarca, provided that the product and purchase conditions 

are satisfactory for the involved parties. 

In the specific case of diesel, it will be transported to the project area in tanker trucks, with an estimated 

consumption of this fuel according to Table 4.3.13. 

4.3.7.5 Other Supplies 

Supplies such as cement, steel, liner, welding supply, paints, and wood willpreferably be acquired locally. 

If local supplies are not abundant enough or are of a quality different from the one required and it may risk 

the success of a scheduled activity, then they will be purchased in other markets. 

For safety purposes, food will be supplied by a specialized contractor company which must give priority to 

acquiring supplies in the local market provided that it is possible under technical and economic 

considerations. 

4.3.8 Transport of Personnel and Supplies 

MYSRL will be responsible for transporting workers to the work areas. Therefore, personnel coming from 

nearby communities will be transported to and from the mine daily, while workers coming from 

Cajamarca, Celendín or La Encañada will be transported to and from the mine according to the 

personnel rotation system. 

Regarding supplies, depending on their origin, they may be transported using the main access road e.g., 

for products coming from coastal cities such as Trujillo or Lima, as well as for products coming from 

Cajamarca. In the case of products coming from nearby places, the access road to be used will depend 

on the location with respect to the project and the characteristics of the supply to be transported, but 

essentially, the main access road, described in Section 4.3.6.3, will be used. 

In general, personnel and supply transport will be provided by a specialized contractor company, 

preferably local. 

4.3.9 Waste, Effluents and Emissions of the Construction Stage 

It is expected that, during the construction stage, the Project will generate the following waste, effluents, 

and/or emissions: 

Solid waste: domestic solid waste or similar to those generated in an urban environment and industrial 

waste (non-hazardous and hazardous) 

Liquid waste: sewage and wash water from maintenance shops 

Particulate matter and gases 

Noise and vibrations 

As described below, the Conga Project response in view of the waste generation situation is to formulate 

a plan, called the Waste Management Plan, where the appropriate management of each type of waste 

from its collection to its final disposal in an environmentally safe manner (Section 6.4). 



4-28

In the case of particulate matter, particulate matter emissions will be generated due to vehicle traffic, 

earthworks, blasting, truck loading and unloading activities and construction tasks in general. 

In addition to particulate matter emissions, flue gas emissions will be generated by diesel engines (mainly 

carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)) as a result of trucks and heavy machinery operation. 

These emissions will be reduced, as presented in the Environmental Management Plan (Chapter 6), 

through a regular preventive maintenance schedule for the equipment. 

Another source of gases similar to gases produced by the vehicle engines and heavy machinery 

corresponds to power generating equipment. Power generating equipment will also receive regular 

preventive maintenance. 

It is also expected that during earthworks and removal gas emissions and particulate matter will be 

generated from potential blasting events. 

All these emissions will be managed according to their respective impact (Chapter 5) and mitigation 

measures. This information, as well as related follow-up activities, is presented in a comprehensive plan 

(Chapter 6). 

Finally, at this stage of the Project, an effluent discharge to the environment is not expected, since it will 

be treated internally or managed by a specialized and authorized company. 

4.4 Description of the Operations Stage 

Activities to be developed during the operations stage will take place immediately after the construction 

stages have been concluded. The following section describe the nominal operations grouped based on 

the most important activities in terms of the magnitude and type of the foreseen environmental impacts.. 

Activities in the Operations Stage 

Described in a simplified manner, the operations stage will comprise ore and waste material extraction 

from the Perol and Chailhuagón deposits by the open pit mining method. The ore extracted will be 

transported by trucks to the primary crusher, where material will be reduced in size to be subsequently 

transported by means of a conventional belt to the concentrator plant, where through milling, flotation, 

thickening and filtering processes, a copper and gold concentrate will be produced, which will be finally 

sent to a coastal port by trucks. 

As described in Section 4.8.5, the project currently contemplates the transport of concentrates by trucks 

to a port on the coast, probably Salaverry. 

On the other hand, waste material mined from the Perol and Chailhuagón pits will be deposited in two 

waste rock storage facilities located to the north of each one of these pits, while the residual processed 

material generated, once the concentrate is obtained, i.e. tailings, will be sent to a storage facility 

especially designed for this purpose. This filtered tailings storage facility will be located to the northwest 

of the Perol pit in the upper part of the Alto Jadibamba River basin. 

Additionally, the Project involves the operation of other facilities such as maintenance shops and 

administrative offices. As is the case in the construction stage, water for various uses (e.g., industrial, 

impact mitigation, potable) will be mainly supplied from reservoirs. 

Figure 4.1.2 shows the general facility layout. 

In order to analyze implications of the tasks to be developed, the Conga Project operations have been 

divided into the following main activities: 



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Pit mining 

Ore and waste material transport 

Waste material disposal 

Primary crusher operation 

Ore transport (conveyor belt) and ore stockpiling 

Ore processing 

Tailings management 

Figure 4.4.1 presents a general process flow diagram. 

Other activities not directly related to production, but representing relevant tasks for normal activities, are: 

Water management 

Support operations 

Concentrate transport and shipment 

These activities will be developed according to a 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year schedule. Each one of 

the previously indicated tasks is described below. 

4.4.1 Mine Operations 

4.4.1.1 Pit Mining 

The Conga Project includes the exploitation of deposits by the open pit mining method and will follow a 

sequence of development phases or successive expansions which have been defined based on 

technical, environmental and economic considerations that are reflected in the mining plan. In this way, 

the Perol pit will be mined in 4 phases, while the Chailhuagón pit in 2, completing the development of the 

first two phases simultaneously in order to reduce production variability. 

According to the operations plan design, pit development has been envisaged for approximately 19 years 

of mining. 

In both cases, the mining activity in the pits will start with drilling in order to access the rock and place the 

explosive charge (e.g., ANFO), and then, controlled blasting, according to the phases being developed. 

On average, the quantity of material that will be generated daily through blasting will fluctuate around 

180,000 tpd, which - depending on the ore content – may be sent to the crusher or to the waste rock 

storage facility. It is worth mentioning that blasting will be carried out according to a pre-defined schedule 

which will be determined based on continuous mining planning, and as a safety measure all access 

points to the mine will be notified. 

Based on the minie plan, approximately 504 Mt of ore are expected to be processed during the life of the 

mine, with a production capacity of 92,000 tpd. 

Some specific characteristics of each one of the two pits to be mined are described below. 

Perol Pit 

As mentioned before, this pit will be developed in the Alto Chirimayo ravine basin and during the last 

mining phases in a small fraction of the Chugurmayo ravine basin (Figure 4.3.1), occupying a final pit 

configuration area of approximately 224 ha , in the area where the Perol bog and lake are located. 

Mining activities in the Perol pit are scheduled to be developed in 4 phases to balance the mine plan ore 

requirements. At the end of mining, this pit will have an approximately elliptical form, with an axis greater 

than 1 950 m long striking N45W, while the bottom of the pit will have an elevation of 3,432 m . 



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The annual nominal production of the Perol pit will be between 3 (year 1) and 33 Mt annually (year 16) as 

presented in Graph 4.4.1. Variability in production is due to material characteristics such as hardness 

and ore content as encountered according to mining progress.. A total of 344 Mt of ore is expected to be 

extracted from this pit at the end of the operations, as recorded in Table 4.4.1. 

The Perol pit mine plan will have both double and single bench configurations with a height of 12 m, 

which may vary depending on the ore control and the primary loading equipment requirements (Table 

4.4.2). Appendix 4.10 presents the pit wall design in order to ensure stable, and therefore safe, 

conditions for this excavation. 

For the pit mining, the machinery required will mainly consist of power shovels, hydraulic excavators, and 

front-end loaders. Accordingly, the material from blasting will be transported to different facilities, 

depending on their characteristics, mainly in terms of the ore content; consequently, the material obtained 

may be taken to: 

The primary crusher (or the ROM Pad, during the beginning of the pit mining) 

The Perol waste rock storage facility (including low grade material - LoM) 

Water management in the Perol pit, whose main objective is dewatering, will consist of a series of wells in 

the ground, canals and sumps to collect, control and remove surface water and groundwater. The 

collected water volume will be sent to the acid water collection tank, from which water will be sent to the 

process plant or the tailings storage facility. Table 4.4.3 shows the pumping rates required to dewater the 

Perol pit. 

For controlling the particulate matter emissions through all the mine development stages, a tank truck 

fleet will be available for watering haul roads, which will basically operate during the dry season. 

Chailhuagón Pit 

The Chailhuagón pit, located to the south of the Perol pit, will occupy areas corresponding to the 

Chailhuagón River and the Alto Chirimayo ravine, with the first being the predominant basin for this 

project component. The Chailhuagón pit mineralization occurs in two areas known as the north and south 

bodies. 

At the final stage, the Chailhuagón pit will occupy an area of approximately 143 ha, 1,800 m long, striking 

north-south and a width varying between 600 and 900 m (Figure 4.3.1). The maximum pit depth in the 

north body will be at an elevation of 3,618 m, with a corresponding wall height will of between 360 and 

470 m. In the south body, the elevation in the deepest part of the pit will be 3,588 m and the wall height 

will range from 70 to 132 m. 

In general, mining the Chailhuagón pit will have the same characteristics as the Perol pit and will use the 

same type of machinery, that is, power shovels supported by excavators and front-end loaders. It is 

estimated that by the end of the operation of this pit, that is, in year 15, the material extraction will attain 

160 Mt of ore, with a minimum annual level of 1 Mt (years 1 and 15) and a maximum annual level of 24 

Mt (year 9), as summarized in Table 4.4.4 and Graph 4.4.2. 

As described in Appendix 4.10, where the pit wall design is presented, 12 m high double bench 

construction is considered. Table 4.4.5 summarizes the design criteria for the Chailhuagón pit. 

As described in Section 4.3.1.1, waste rock from this pit will be mainly stored in the Chailhuagón waste 

rock storage facility, while a lower fraction will be used to construct the Chailhuagón haul road and the 

pad for the ROM ore deposit. Taking into consideration that the material to be used will not likely 

generate acid drainage, as indicated by the completed geochemical characterization, it is estimated that 

these characteristics do not represent some type of environmental risk. 



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As for the pit water management, it will consist of a dewatering system formed by wells that will control 

and collect water in sumps, and then by means of a pump system the water will be transferred to the 

Chailhuagón sediment pond. Subsequently, the flows discharged from the sediment pond will run to the 

Chailhuagón reservoir from where they can be discharged to the Chailhuagón River basin, given the 

acceptable characteristics of the related water. 

4.4.1.2 Ore and Waste Material Transport 

As indicated above, the material obtained from the pits will be transported to the primary crusher (or to 

the ROM Pad), to start the process, or to the waste rock storage facilities, depending on their 

characteristics. 

This transport will be completed using a fluctuating fleet of haul trucks with suitable capacity for the load. 

During the first year of operation, 11 trucks will be required, while in year 14, the peak requirement of 30 

trucks will be achieved. Fourteen trucks will be used during the last years of the mine. 

On average, the route from the Perol pit to the ROM Pad location will be approximately 3.9 km, and 4.6 

km in case the destination is the waste rock storage facility associated with this deposit. In the case of 

the Chailhuagón pit, the average distances will be 4.8 km and 4.9 km, when the destinations are the 

crushing area and the Chailhuagón waste rock storage facility, respectively. 

4.4.1.3 Waste Material Disposal 

As mentioned above, waste rock storage facilities, including low grade ore, will be located in the 

vicinity of the respective pits. According to the mine plan (Table 4.1.2), disposal of 581 Mt of waste is 

expected from the Perol and the Chailhuagón pits. 

As described below, the Perol waste rock storage facility will store material from the Perol pit, the Perol 

bog, and the LoM material. The Chailhuagón waste rock storage facility will be exclusively formed of 

material from the Chailhuagón pit. 

In general, waste rock storage facilities will be designed with a 2,5H:1V slope. 

Perol Rock Storage Facility 

The Perol waste rock storage facility will have a final capacity of approximately 480 Mt and will occupy an 

area of approximately 289 ha of predominantly glacial land mostly formed from volcanic rock outcrops. 

According to the current project configuration, this dump will receive waste material from the Perol pit 

(approximately 407 Mt), bog material (approximately 6 Mt) and LoM material associated with the 

Perol dump (approximately 67 Mt), as shown in Figure 4.3.1. The characteristics of Perol waste rock are 

presented in Table 4.4.6. 

The Perol waste rock storage facility design has been prepared by Knight Piésold Consultores (Knight 

Piésold, 2009) and is presented in Appendix 4.11. 

The LoM material will be stored in the south area of the Perol waste rock storage facility. The LoM 

material is planned to be processed during the years when ore extraction from pits is considerably 

reduced. 

The Perol bog material will be disposed in the Perol waste rock storage facility in order to facilitate water 

management since it will be located in the same basin as the tailings storage facility. Seepage and runoff 

that may be produced by the Perol bog will be directed by means of the waste rock storage facility 

internal drains to the supernatant pond of the tailings storage facility. 

Given the geochemical characteristics of the rock in the Perol area, most waste material to be deposited 

in this facility will be potentially acid generating (PAG); therefore, both runoff and seepage from this 

facility are directed to the tailings storage facility, which in turn has been designed as a closed system 



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that will also contain PAG material. In view of the latter, water from the waste dump will be mixed with 

water from the tailings storage facility, and will be recirculated through the water recovery system or will 

be treated in the treatment plant, and subsequently discharged into the lower reservoir after it is checked 

for quality. 

With respect to the physical stability of the waste rock storage facility and in order to complete a safe 

design, an analysis involving the evaluation of the geometry of the facility was completed, including 

foundations, as well as the respective analysis for static and seismic load conditions. 

Taking into consideration that there is unsuitable material in several sections analyzed in the waste 

foundation areas, several scenarios were studied by a limit equilibrium model, SLOPE/W, that allows the 

calculation of the level of equilibrium by several methods (GEO-SLOPE, 2007). 

Appendix 4.11 shows details related to critical sections, material properties, pore pressure conditions, 

methodologies and results of the completed physical stability analysis. The main findings, in terms of 

physical stability, are presented below. 

In the specific case of the Perol waste rockstorage facility, eight critical sections were selected for the 

analysis, taking into account geotechnical characteristics, existing topography, and dump composition, 

including the different materials present. Additionally, two sections were selected, which were analyzed 

during two different stages, amounting to ten configurations for this facility. Figure 7.1 of Appendix 4.11 

shows the location of these sections. 

The physical stability analysis results, in static and seismic (dynamic) load conditions, shown in Table 

4.4.7, enable one to conclude that, taking several criteria and scenarios into consideration, effects on the 

final facility configuration are considered acceptable. 

Based on the foundation design of this facility, which includes drainage and catchment systems for 

seepage, dump runoff will be collected in the tailings storage facility and taken to a water treatment 

system. Diversion canals will direct non-impacted runoff downstream the tailings storage facilities and will 

reduce the quantity of clean water sent to the water recovery system or to the treatment plant. 

Chailhuagón Rock Storage Facility 

The Chailhuagón waste rock storage facility will be located in the south side of a limestone valley, 1.9 km 

northwest of the Chailhuagón pit. This valley belongs to the Mujarrún and Yumagual formations and 

contains glacial deposits that cover the west, central and north zones of the area. In this area, there are 

also minor areas of alluvial soil, mainly in the central and northeast zone. 

This location was selected based on its proximity to the Chailhuagón pit, in order to maximize the 

transport efficiency, and on geochemical test results which demonstrated that the greater fraction of 

material associated with this rock waste have no potential to generate acid drainage. The facility capacity 

will be of 174 Mt and will occupy an area of approximately 160 ha. The characteristics of rocks from the 

Chailhuagón waste rock storage facility are presented in Table 4.4.8. 

The waste rock storage facility design, as is the case of the Perol waste rock storage facility, has been 

prepared by Knight Piésold, and is shown in Appendix 4.12. 

The first characterization tests of this pit material showed that most of the dump is formed of rock with 

neutralization potential, while approximately a fraction below 10 percent is PAG, specifically the west 

zone of the facility. 

Additional tests were completed in order to design the appropriate measures so that runoff as well as 

seepage from this facility may be discharged to the environment, taking into account – if required – only 

treatment for reducing the sediment content (Section 3.2.6). The test results allowed concluding that 



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even with the presence of PAG material, runoff and seepage from this facility would be of good quality in 

terms of pH and metal presence, as described in Section 3.2.6; therefore, it is not necessary to segregate 

the material obtained from the Chailhuagón pit or treat the flows in contact with the PAG material in a 

special manner. 

Additionally, and to ensure the good quality of runoff and seepage generated from the Chailhuagón waste 

rock storage facility, the material extracted from the pit areas with PAG characteristics will be 

encapsulated within the facility itself. Finally, the flows from this facility will be discharged into the Alto 

Chirimayo ravine basin. 

As to the physical stability analysis of this facility, three critical sections were selected, which are shown in 

Figure 7.1 of Appendix 4.12, in order to assess the physical stability of this facility according to the 

geotechnical characteristics within the facility, the soil topography, and the facility configuration. 

The stability analysis results for the three critical sections of the Chailhuagón waste rock storage facility, 

under static and seismic loads, are summarized in Table 4.4.9. These results enable concluding the 

same as in the case of the Perol waste rock storage facility, that the obtained safety factors as well as the 

expected deformations are acceptable. 

4.4.2 Primary Crusher Operation 

As generally described above, the ore extracted from the pits will be sent, by means of haul trucks, to the 

primary crusher, where the transported material will be directly discharged into the discharge hopper of 

this facility. Once discharged, the ore will be crushed with a rotary crusher of approximately 

60 x 110 inches. The crusher will allow a maximum feed dimater of 1,000 mm to 1,200 mm and will 

reduce these size rocks by 80 percent. 

The crushed ore will be directly discharged, through a feed platform located under the crusher, onto a 

discharge apron feeder. This feeder will discharge the crushed rock to a conveyor belt of approximately 

140 meters long. 

In order to reduce dust emissions from the crusher, a suppression system to supply high pressure 

sprayed water will be installed, which will start automatically when the material begins to be discharged 

from the truck. 

Additionally, a hydraulic rock breaker system will be installed in the discharge area in order to handle 

lareger rocks and remove the material stuck to this area. A crane will facilitate maintenance tasks in this 

facility. 

4.4.3 Ore Transport (Conveyor Belt) and Ore Stockpiling 

As described above, the crushed material will be transported from the crusher to the concentrator plant, 

where this material will be disposed of in a stockpile until milling starts. 

The 2.4-km-long and 1.5-meter-wide conveyor belt, with a maximum slope of 15 degrees and which will 

operate at an average speed of 6.0 m/s, will transport the ore to the concentrator plant area and will be 

fed by the crusher discharge belt. This belt will have access through both sides for maintenance, and 

vehicle access through one side. 

Taking into consideration potential differences between the quantity of the crushed and then transported- 

by-the-belt material and the quantity of finally processed material, the project has considered the 

operation of a coarse ore stockpile. 

Consequently, the crushed ore transported by the belt will be discharged into this stockpile, and the ore 

levels will be monitored permanently. The stockpile will have a conic form of approximately 123 m 

diameter and 46 m high, and will be designed for a live load equivalent to 12 hours of operations and a 

total capacity equivalent to 3 days of operations if the material adjacent to the draindown areas is used. 



4-34

As the ore moisture will be of approximately 6.5 percent from the pits and the wind speed in the area is 

relatively low, it is estimated that there will be no problems related to the emission of significant dust 

quantities. However, a dust suppression system, composed of sprayers to control sporadic emissions, 

will be implemented; for this reason, the need to implement a cover system for this stockpile has not been 

anticipated. 

The ore will be recovered from this stockpile by means of four feeders that will discharge their content into 

the feed conveyor belt of the SAG mill. 

4.4.4 Ore Processing 

Ore processing is the activity by which concentrate is finally obtained from the mineralized rock subject to 

crushing and processing. To complete this activity, intermediate tasks such as milling, flotation, 

concentrate thickening, concentrate filtering, and tailings thickening and distribution are required. 

Taking these tasks into consideration, the activities grouped by facilities are described below. 

SAG and Ball Milling Circuit 

Milling of crushed material will be completed by means of a SAG mill of size and rated power suitable for 

the nominal tonnage of 92,000 tpd. Additionally, the simple milling circuit will have the following main 

components: 

Two ball mills 

A cobble crushing circuit including belts and crusher 

Two flash flotation cells 

Two cyclone batteries for classification 

The material processed by the SAG mill will pass to the 38-mm slotted screens, where the material with a 

size smaller than the screen hole will be sent to the feed pump box of the ball mill cyclone, while the rest 

will be crushed by the conic crusher before returning to the feed belt of the SAG mill. 

The SAG mill will be supported on bearings and equipped with discharge slots of 38 mm, one trunnion 

discharge, and a classifier cylinder. Likewise, two vibrating screens will contribute to the classification or 

screening process, one in operation and the second unit in standby. The vibrating screens as well as the 

classifier cylinder will have slots of 10x30 mm to select the SAG mill product (coarse ore), and to prevent 

large particles from entering the mill discharge sump. 

The conic crusher will be used after the material with dimensions greater than those expected have 

passed through the screens and have been transported by means of a belt to a hopper that will discharge 

into it. The product processed by this crusher will be placed in belts that will return it again to the feed 

belt of the SAG mill. 

Ball mills will be installed in parallel and each one will work as a closed circuit with cyclone batteries. The 

ball mill feed hopper will receive the sludge flow from the SAG mill cyclone, water and lime, controlled by 

density parameters and pH, respectively. 

The product generated from the ball mill will be sent to a common sump from where the sludge will be 

pumped, in a closed circuit, to cyclone groups, where each group will be fed by a pump. The supernatant 

from each circuit, with 80 percent solids and a P80 of 130 microns, will be discharged by gravity into the 

rougher flotation feeder, while the remaining material will be returned to the ball mill by gravity. 

The milling circuit will process approximately 92,000 tpd and its design envisages an availability of 

92 percent. 



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Flotation Circuit 

The concentrator plant flotation system will consist of three components: flash flotation, rougher flotation 

and cleaner flotation. Figure 2 of Appendix 4.4 shows the flotation circuit, which is described below. 

Flash Flotation 

The flotation system mainly consists of flotation cells, which are incorporated to the circuit in order to 

minimize gold losses in tailings and will be located in the milling building, being fed by a centrifugal pump 

of variable speed from the sump of each ball mill. Flash flotation units will be SkimAir® type. 

The pump will remove approximately 20 percent of sludge leaving the ball mill, while flash flotation units 

will be contact cells, where all the sludge will be mixed with air injected into a container at a pressure 

between 125 and 160 kPa. The mix of sludge with 25 to 50 percent air by volume will be introduced into 

a flotation column separator. 

The concentrate produced by contact cells will overflow in the separator and flow directly into the feed 

column of a pump, while the flash flotation lower flow will return in the same sump from where the ball mill 

is fed. The contact cell concentrate will be measured by a flow analyzer in order to verify the gold and 

copper concentrations. 

Rougher Flotation 

The rougher flotation, consisting of two flotation lines, will be fed by a common distributor. Each line will 

be composed of nine flotation cells of a size suitable for the rated capacity which will be fed by the sludge 

overflowing the primary cyclone with a P80 of 130 microns and a nominal density of 32 percent. 

The rougher cells will be supplied with air and will have a mechanical stirring mechanism. The rougher 

flotation concentrate will be discharged into the pumping area for feeding the regrinding cyclone where, 

together with the cleaner-scavenger flotation concentrate, it will be pumped to the regrinding cyclone 

battery. 

Rougher flotation tailings will be discharged into a washing area where copper, iron and density levels will 

be measured. 

Reagents, which will be added to the rougher flotation distributor and to the cells selected in each line, will 

mainly consist of frothers, which are a mix of alcohol/glycol and a secondary collector that will be 

Potassium Amyl Xanthate (PAX). A more detailed description of the reagents to be used is presented in 

Section 4.4.10.4. 

Cleaner-Scavenger Flotation 

Cleaner flotation will consist of three rows of three mechanically stirred cells, which will receive the flash 

and rougher flotation concentrates after cycloning in order to complete coarse particle processing 

(regrinding circuit). The supernatant will be discharged by gravity into the first cleaner pump box, while 

the lower cyclone flow will be directed to four vertical mills in order to reduce their particle size and allow a 

greater ore recovery. 

The vertical mill discharge will be sent to the regrinding cyclone pump to be recirculated and recycled in a 

closed circuit. 

Tailings from cleaner cells will feed three rows of nine cleaner-scavenger cells mechanically stirred and 

the concentrate obtained in these cells will be sent to the regrinding cyclone sump. The concentrate from 

the first cleaner cells will feed the second cleaner circuit, consisting of two rows from two cells of columns 

in series. 



4-36

Tailings from the second cleaner columns will be recycled for a better ore recovery. These columns will 

be designed for a retention time of 15 to 20 minutes, which represents enough time to produce a final 

high grade concentrate through material recirculation. 

Thickener 

The final concentrate generated by flotation columns will be thickened and filtered in a pressure filter, 

before being sent to the port facilities, containing approximately 8 to 10 percent moisture by weight. 

During the concentrate thickening procedure, flocculants will be added to facilitate solid sedimentation, 

which will be extracted from the system with a density of 65 percent solids and will be pumped to the filter 

feed tanks. A recirculation line will be installed in each thickener to recycle the sludge during plant 

stoppages. 

The thickener will be equipped with a curtain for foam in order to retain the concentrate within the 

thickener, and water can be spread on the thickener surface to help break the frothy nature of the 

concentrate and speed up sedimentation. 

Filtering System 

The concentrate in sludge form will be pumped from the tanks to a pressure filter of 144 m 2 that will 

consist of an automatic pump, a pressure diaphragm, and an air drying system. The 4 filtration stages 

are described in order below: 

Filtering 

Sludge will be pumped to the filter and simultaneously directed to each chamber through pipelines, 

flowing through a polymeric surface to the filter collection area, forming the filtered concentrate mass. 

Compression 

The rubber diaphragm will act, through a pneumatic system, pressing on the filtered concentrate mass 

against the polymeric surface. 

Drying 

The final drying of the filtered concentrate mass will be completed with compressed air, which will enter 

through distribution pipelines, fill the filter chamber, raise the diaphragm and force the compressed air, 

which is above the diaphragm, to exit the filter. The air flow that will pass through the concentrate mass 

will reduce its moisture content and will empty the filter chamber. 

Discharge of the Filtered Concentrate Mass 

Once the concentrate mass drying is completed, it will be discharged by both sides of the filter. 

It is estimated that the concentrate production will vary annually, with an annual average production 

between 260 and 290 kt. This production will reach its minimum value on the first operation year, while 

the maximum value will occur in the third year, with production levels of 37 and 447 kt, respectively. 

The generated concentrate will have a copper content that will range from 22.5 to 33.7 percent, with an 

average of approximately 25 percent, while the gold content will be approximately 57 g/t. 

4.4.5 Concentrate Transport and Shipment 

While the final characteristics of the concentrate transport and shipment are not completely defined, partly 

due to potential changes in regional infrastructure, the current plan contemplates transportation by 40-ton 

truck to a coastal port, probably Salaverry. This plan would require approximately 30 trips per day and, 

considering the use of ships with a load capacity of 25,000 an 45,000 tons per load, an average of one to 

two vessels per month to transport the load for refining. 



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4.4.6 Tailings Management 

Tailings, which will be generated in the concentrator plant, are the residual product of obtaining 

concentrate in the plant. These tailings, which will be thickened to levels of 62 to 65 percent solids (solid 

mass/total mass), require proper management in order to reduce the environmental impact generated 

mainly as a consequence of disposal. 

Tailings, whose characteristics are shown in detail in Appendix 4.6, will have an average density of 1.6 

t/m 3 and a disposal slope that will vary with respect to time; approximately a 2 percent slope for the first 

three years, and 4 percent for the fourth year on. The main tasks and elements associated with the 

tailings management in the Conga Project are described below. 

Tailings Transport 

Once tailings are generated in the concentrator plant, they will be transported by means of a pipeline 

system to the top of the Alto Jadibamba River basin, from where they will be directed to the east and west 

sides of the tailings storage facility through two main pipelines. These pipelines will not operate at the 

same time. The downstream pipeline layout will allow a reduction in power consumption for pumping. 

Tailings Disposal 

As noted above, the tailings generated and transported to the Alto Jadibamba River basin will be 

deposited in a storage facility specifically designed to include the following key components: the main 

dam, the Toromacho dam and the seepage collection system. It is estimated that in the final stage, the 

tailings storage facility will occupy an area of approximately 700 ha. 

With regard to the dams, they will continue to be erected during the project operations stage. In the case 

of the main dam, it will be built in stages until reaching at the highest point a final altitude of 3,796.5 m, 

requiring a backfill volume of about 4.3 Mm 3 , while in the case of the Toromacho dam, the main dam will 

be built in stages until reaching a final altitude of 3,796.5 m, demanding a backfill volume of 

approximately 2.8 Mm 3 . 

Dams have been designed as conventional embankments with a clay core and shell of rock or compacted 

soil, which will also have transitions, filters and drains to ensure stability. Additionally, the dams will be 

coated with cement grout to reduce their permeability and, in the case of the main and Toromacho dams, 

a geomembrane liner will be included on the upstream face of both. 

One of the main conclusions of the area’s geological, hydrogeological, and hydrological studies, 

completed by Golder (Appendix 4.5) as part of the tailings storage facility design, was that most of the 

basin lies on volcanic material, thus offering very low seepage rates. In addition, the studies show the 

basin has a good hydraulic containment mainly due to the topography and geology of the area. 

Proof of the foregoing is the fact that the hydrogeological assessments completed in depth in the tailings 

storage facility area have concluded that the area acts as a "closed system", where the measured 

hydraulic conductivity values are in the range of 1 x 10-6 to 1 x 10-4 cm/s. Likewise, a decreasing trend of 

the hydraulic conductivity with regard to depth (Appendix 4.5) has been identified. 

Geometric means were estimated for the results of permeability tests in order to estimate average values 

of this variable at depth intervals from 0 to 5 m, 5 to 10 m, 10 to 50 m, and below 50 m, as indicated in the 

description of the environmental baseline hydrogeological component. The geometric mean values range 

from 2 x 10-5 cm/s close to the surface to 3 x 10-6 in the deepest points. 

On the other hand, during hydrogeological researches in the area, extended fractures were not identified 

in the basin; therefore, designs do not include the need for lining the entire basin. However, as described 

in this document, liner is used on the inner faces of the dams and in areas that are located below the 

supernatant water pond in order to reduce seepage. 



4-38

Additionally, the completed models to support design predict that seepage losses will be less than 1 L/s at 

the toe of the tailings storage facility. 

The following describes the main features of the tailings storage facility. The design report, prepared by 

Golder, is presented in Appendix 4.6. 

Dam Physical Stability 

As for the physical stability of the tailings storage facility dams, the approach used is based on the 

stability method of Morgenstern-Price (Morgenstern et ál., 1965), through the use of the specialized 

program SLOPE/W (Krahn, 2007.) This program uses the limit equilibrium principle, which represents the 

shear strength required to maintain balance in the selected fault plane and given a safety factor, which 

results from dividing the available shear strength by the required shear strength. 

The loading conditions used in the stability study were static and induced, in the latter case, by 

earthquakes (pseudo-static.) The static load considers the stresses caused by the weight of dams and a 

minimum safety factor of 1.5 was considered for the stability under static conditions, while the seismic 

load conditions were simulated using a pseudo-static approach, with a minimum safety factor of 

1.0. 

The completed analysis allowed checking that the safety factors to be used show values greater than the 

minimum required safety factors, demonstrating that the dams have stable configurations under static and 

pseudo-static conditions. The stability analysis results are presented in Table 4.4.10 and in Figures 1 

through 15 of Appendix B in Appendix 4.6. 

Furthermore, the dam analysis includes a failure analysis prepared by Golder that is included in Appendix 

4.13. 

Tailings Distribution 

Initially, the internal embankments will help establish the shape and geometry of the storage with terraces 

that individually will generate 2 percent slopes, but which together will form a depositional slope equal to 

4 percent. Likewise, given the previous conditions, there will be an increase of material strength, allowing 

development of steeper slopes, as described in Appendix 4.6. 

The disposal model considers the discharge through the largest number of points available to maximize 

the disposal area. According to this model, various stages will be considered, which are shown in Table 

4.4.11 and Figures 10 and 11 of Appendix 4.6, with associated tailings volumes. 

The discharge pipes will be installed in access roads approximately 10 m wide, which will require the 

construction of platforms for installing them. The initial platform will be operational for the first 3 years, 

while the final platform will last the life of the mine. 

Water Management Inside the Storage Facility 

The disposal and water management systems of the tailings storage facility will work to create an 

impoundment against the face located upstream of the main dam, which will provide part of the water 

resources required for the mining process. This way, water will be pumped to process water tanks 

located in the concentrator plant, holding an impoundment volume not greater than 1 Mm 3 , while the 

seepage of this volume through the dam will be limited by the installation of a geomembrane liner over 

this area. 

In general, all flows present in the tailings storage facility will be treated before discharge and the system 

will operate with a return period of 100 years under annual rainfall conditions, with enough space to 

contain runoff with a return period of 25 years and a peak precipitation event of 24 hours. 



4-39

In the above mentioned tanks, water from the supernatant pond will be mixed with the overflow of the 

tailings thickeners and the mixture will be used for processes in mining activities. The process water tank 

overflow will be sent to the supernatant pond, which has been designed with a spillway that will permit the 

impoundment release in case of flooding with a 25-year return period and a 24-hour storm event. 

With regard to seepage, it will be managed by a collection and pumping system, which is described 

below. 

In Section 4.3.4, corresponding to project water management, a more detailed description of the various 

flow characteristics in each one of the facilities is presented. 

Seepage Management from the Tailings Storage Facility 

The tailings storage facility has been designed considering the following measures to reduce the 

likelihood of contact of seepage from this facility with the environment: 

The main dam and Toromacho dam will have a core of clay over bedrock with an injection treatment. 

Tailings will be placed on a soil layer with a hydraulic conductivity of 1 x 10-6 cm/s or less, which will 

also have a drainage system that will inhibit the tailings hydraulic head. 

A seepage collection system for each of the dams involved. While the main dam and Toromacho dam 

were designed including features to facilitate seepage control, the probability of seepage existence is 

not zero, so the project includes the implementation of a seepage control system for both the main dam 

and the Toromacho dam. 

For the main dam, the seepage management dam associated with the seepage collection pond has been 

planned, which will impound these flows to be subsequently pumped to the storage tanks (Figure 4.4.2). 

The seepage dam design is presented in Appendix 4.6. 

For the Toromacho dam, there will be a water collection system located below the dam, which will have a 

structure allowing intercepting seepage for further recirculation through a pump system (Figure 4.4.3). 

This system is described in detail in Appendix 4.6. 

4.4.7 Water Management 

One of the main aspects of the project is water management given the implications for the environmental 

and social component that the details of this plan may have, so special considerations were taken into 

account in defining the details of the scheme for water collection, use, distribution, and release. 

Among the main considerations, the outstanding fact is that the project area has a positive water balance, 

that is, rainfall levels are higher than evapotranspiration levels; therefore, the supply of water resources 

for project needs can be locally supplied. Likewise, it was determined that it was possible, through 

storage in reservoirs, to have required water at different times of the year without having to resort to the 

exploitation of groundwater sources. 

On the other hand, given the social and economic context of the project environment, characterized by 

populations involved in agricultural activities, the water management infrastructure was designed so that 

the impacts on flows and their quality in each of the disturbed basins are adequately mitigated, especially 

in the dry season, thus providing a regulated supply at project boundaries. 

Likewise, and given the importance of a clear understanding of expected scenarios as a consequence of 

the project implementation, it was considered necessary to represent the complex processes through 

which water is transferred among project elements and in some cases between basins; therefore, Golder 

(Appendix 4.14) was asked to prepare a water balance to include these aspects. 

Finally, in order to implement appropriate measures to ensure that the quality of water to be released to 

the environment complies with current applicable regulations, the water characteristics at key facilities 



4-40

were analyzed and the required systems have been included in design to make water comply with the 

desired quality. 

Below is the associated analysis of the water management system design and its elements. 

Water Balance 

As noted above, the water balance for the Conga Project was prepared by Golder using the GoldSim 

program. The water balance in its full version is presented in Appendix 4.14. 

This water balance includes flows associated with the main facilities that receive or generate water flows, 

such as pits, waste rock storage facilities, the concentrator plant, reservoirs and the tailings storage 

facility. The different basins, their final configuration, and the project discharge points were also 

considered within the model. 

The model was developed using a hierarchical structure and each section thereof was assembled using 

individual components which contain the project details. In addition, the model used modules to 

represent the specific area and project conditions, such as the weather, basin performance, and water 

balance modules. 

The weather module was updated based on new information provided by Knight Piésold (Knight Piésold, 

2008) which generated data as input parameters including the Weibull distribution for precipitations. 

The basin performance module simulated the basin behavior using a runoff flow model and a base flow 

model to produce the design flow rate in order to duplicate flow rate records available on the site. The 

parameters for the basin performance module were generated from the analysis of historical flow rate. 

In the case of water balance modules, modules have been configured according to the project execution 

geometry, volumes and schedule. The following is a summary of the model: 

Flows from runoff and from the system of Perol pit dewatering wells will be pumped to the acid water 

collection tank. 

The Chailhuagón pit runoff will be sent to the Chailhuagón sediment pond, which discharges directly 

into the Chailhuagón reservoir. 

Seepage and runoff from the Perol waste rock storage facility, LoM stockpile, and material from the 

Perol bog will flow to the tailings storage facility. In the case of the Chailhuagón waste rock storage 

facility, this flow will be directed to the Chirimayo sediment pond. Water running through the crushing 

circuit area will also be directed to this sediment pond. 

The process plant will receive water from the supernatant pond in the tailings storage facility and from 

the upper reservoir. 

The lower reservoir will receive runoff from surrounding basins, including the discharge of non-contact 

water diversion canals and treated water at the plant designed for this purpose. This reservoir will be 

primarily used to mitigate the impacts on the Alto Jadibamba River basin in the period between April 

and November (dry season) of each year and to replace the loss of lake habitat. 

The upper reservoir will receive runoff from surrounding areas that are located upstream of the tailings 

storage facility within the Alto Jadibamba River basin, with the exception of the processing plant sub- 

basin. This reservoir will be the main source of fresh water for processes, of potable water for the 

project and of environmental and social impact mitigation for the Toromacho ravine basin. 

The Perol reservoir will receive runoff from a fraction of the Alto Chirimayo ravine basin. The reservoir 

will provide flows to mitigate environmental and social impacts on the Alto Chirimayo ravine basin, and 

will also serve to replace the loss of habitats associated with lakes and bogs. 

The Chailhuagón reservoir will increase the lake capacity in order to provide necessary mitigation flows 

in the Chailhuagón River basin. According to the design, the reservoir will receive flows from the 

Chailhuagón sediment pond and non-contact water diversion canals from this basin. In general, as in 



4-41

the case of the Perol reservoir, mitigation flows are assumed as constant flow rates during the dry 

season. 

This expanded lake will allow improving the habitat for the species in the area and will increase the 

opportunities for creating or improving bogs. 

The supernatant released from the tailings will be stored in the decanted water pond, together with 

precipitation and runoff generated in the surrounding areas. The supernatant water will be treated in the 

acid water treatment plant and discharged into the lower or upper reservoirs. 

The concentrator plant will collect water from the following facilities (in decreasing priority): acid water 

collection tank, supernatant pond, and upper reservoir. 

Before placing the tailings in the tailings storage facility, they will be dehydrated and the reclaimed water 

will be sent to the milling process for reuse. 

The deposited tailings will contain between 35 and 38 percent water by mass. Part of this water will 

separate from the stored tailings and will accumulate in the supernatant pond. 

These flows are shown schematically in Figure 4.4.4, while the associated flow rates for the different 

scenarios are shown in tables of Appendix 4.14. 

It is important to indicate that water management during operations considers the sediment control 

and diversion structures as key elements (Sections 4.3.4.5 and 4.3.4.4, respectively) which will allow 

managing non-contact water so that, in the most demanding situation a reduction of sediment content will 

be completed before discharge to the environment. 

Accordingly, as described above, the Chirimayo sediment pond, which will have a capacity of 263,400 m 3 , 

will provide appropriate management for runoff and seepage from the Chailhuagón waste rock storage 

facility and partially from the Chailhuagón haul road, as well as runoff from the primary crusher area and 

catchment area related to the mine facility complex. 

In the case of Chailhuagón sediment pond that will have a capacity of 471,292 m 3 , it will allow controlling 

sediment from runoff generated in the catchment area associated with the Chailhuagón pit during the 

early years, including flows from the topsoil stockpile located in the vicinity of the pit. It is necessary to 

indicate that sediment control during startup of the Chailhuagón pit operations will be completed by 

temporary structures located upstream. 

When the pit is developed in areas surrounding the sediment pond, sediment control will be completed 

within the pit and, indirectly, by the action of the extended lake. 

As to the flows showing low pH levels or a metal content above acceptable levels due to their contact with 

material from the Perol area, they will be sent to the water treatment plant to ensure adequate quality 

either for discharge or reuse. 

Therefore, water from the tailings storage facility supernatant pond, the Perol pit, and the area 

corresponding to the Perol waste rock storage facility will be sent to the acid water treatment plant in 

order to be reused or discharged. The water treatment plant (Appendix 4.7) is expected to release water 

with a quality appropriate for subsequent discharge. 

Water reaching the treatment plant will be stored in a collection tank where it is expected that the water 

pH will have a value of approximately 3. After being in the collection tank, water passes through the 

alkalizing tank where lime and recirculated U/F will be added. 

Once the alkalization process is completed, water will flow to the pre-treatment tank and then to the 

stabilization tank, to be finally discharged into a feed tank where flocculants will be added, before passing 

to the clarifier. The entire circuit will be repeated for water treatment to be completed, and after passing 



4-42

through the clarifier again, the treated water will be discharged into a collection tank from where water will 

be pumped to the lower reservoir after passing through a sand filter. 

The residual water may be used for the mining processes or pumped back to the supernatant pond in the 

tailings storage facility. Figure 4.4.5 shows the acid water treatment plant flowchart. 

4.4.8 Support Operations 

4.4.8.1 Administrative Operations 

Administrative operations will take place at the facilities described in Section 4.3.6.2, usually during office 

hours. 

4.4.8.2 Maintenance Operations 

The following is distinguished within the maintenance operations: 

Heavy vehicle, machinery and equipment maintenance 

Fuel supply operations 

Access road maintenance 

Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment Maintenance 

Operations in the maintenance shop will take place 24 hours a day, as required to maintain and service 

the various mine equipment. 

Fuel Storage Operations 

The fuel storage will provide refueling services 24 hours a day. 

Medical Clinic 

The medical clinic will be open 24 hours a day, especially focused on emergency response, and will 

provide services to personnel in relation to high altitude adaptation evaluations. 

Access Roads Maintenance 

As part of the operation of the mine, frequent maintenance will be given to the access road and internal 

haul roads to ensure adequate control of dust and runoff and provide a driving surface suitable for the 

type of vehicles that will use it. 

4.4.8.3 Waste Management 

During the operation various wastes will be generated that will need storage. These are: 

Operations solid waste 

Operations hazardous waste 

Operations Solid Waste 

Non-hazardous solid waste from operations will be collected by a contractor or a Solid Waste Trading 

Company (EC-RS for its Spanish acronym), which will also provide waste transport service to a temporary 

facility for unloading and subsequent disposal. 

The project waste disposal facilities and will be operated by a company having authorization to manage 

and operate this type of facility. The solid waste generated in work areas will be collected daily and 

transported to the facility for domestic solid waste management. Each of the areas of solid waste 

collection will be equipped with segregation facilities to separate recyclable from non-recyclable materials 

at the place of generation. 

Considering the distance between the Yanacocha complex and the project development area, existing 

facilities will be used to increase the efficiency and safety of waste management in general. 



4-43

Operations Hazardous Waste 

As part of the project, a control plan for hazardous and non-hazardous wastes will be implemented. This 

plan will include the necessary guidelines for proper management of waste generated as part of the 

project, either by mining or processing operations. The plan will include Newmont’s environmental 

requirements and applicable MEM regulations. 

The management plan of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes will be developed in order to describe 

the waste management activities and will be applied according to the summary of environmental and 

chemical procedures and the hazardous materials manual. Both plans will apply to all project operations 

and will include all Solid Waste Service Providing Companies (EPS-RS for tits Spanish acronym) involved 

in chemicals management (purchasing, shipping, handling, storage, and disposal). 

Storage facilities for project hazardous materials will have secondary containers to prevent contact 

between them and the environment. The waste storage tanks will have capacity to contain the maximum 

system capacity and will comply with the recommendations of the suppliers, applicable standards and 

best management practices (BMP). 

The bulk fuel storage facilities will include containment sumps capable of receiving surface discharges 

and convey these spills to adequate traps (e.g., water/oil). 

Hazardous waste such as toner, ink cartridges, used batteries, fluorescent tubes and electronic waste will 

be stored temporarily in special areas until they are delivered to an EPS-RS authorized by DIGESA for 

their handling and final disposal. 

The Conga Project will also have an Emergency and Contingency Response Plan (Section 6.3), which 

will include procedures to ensure that all eventualities can be managed properly. This plan will include 

situations that might occur during transport activities. 

4.4.9 Manpower Requirements 

Once operations begin at the mine, it is estimated that manpower requirements will be around 1,660 

people, including 1,174 employees and 486 contractors during the first eleven years of operations. The 

requirement for manpower in the Conga Project will vary throughout the lifetime of the mine, reaching a 

peak of 1,800 persons in year 2, as shown in Graph 4.4.3. 

The Conga Project will have a local hiring policy that will give priority to local personnel that meet the 

requirements of available jobs in the mine. 

4.4.10 Supplies 

4.4.10.1 Water Supply 

The project will require water for mining operations and reservoirs will be developed which will allow 

storing excess water during the wet season to ensure supply of this resource in the affected basins. 

Storage structures that will ensure water supply are the upper, lower, Chailhuagón and Perol reservoirs, 

in addition to other intermediate storage capabilities. 

However, considering the diverse characteristics of the water to be stored in the structures referred to and 

the water required in each of the points of demand, certain needs will be met with determined sources, 

based on the compatibility between them. Thus, the specific requirements and supply sources are 

described below: 

Water Supply 

Conga Project operations will require potable water, water for the milling process and water for the 

thickening of tailings. 



4-44

The potable water and fresh water necessary for processes will come from the upper reservoir. Figure 

4.4.4 shows the water distribution system that will be employed in the project. 

Fresh Water 

Fresh water from the upper reservoir will be pumped to a water storage tank located near the process 

plant. According to the project water balance (Appendix 4.14), the use of fresh water is variable 

between the dry and wet seasons and throughout the life of the mine. Thus, fresh water use is estimated 

between 906,660 m 3 and 936,360 m 3 in the dry season of an average year, and 1,120,230 m 3 and 

1,303,560 m 3 in the wet season of an average year. These volumes are due to the fact that much of the 

water used in the process is recovered. 

Tanks will supply water for the following systems: 

Fire protection system; 

Potable water system; 

Process water system for plant and crushing; 

Fresh water system for reagent preparations; and 

Seal water system for slurry pumps 

Approximately 300 m 3 of the total capacity of tanks will be reserved for the fire protection system. The 

water intake will be located at the bottom of the tank to ensure there is always water for the fire protection 

system. 

Potable water will go through a process of chlorination before being stored in a tank for distribution, which 

will have capacity to supply water 24-hours a day. 

In addition to the above mentioned, other water requirements to be met are the suppresion of particulate 

dust on the haule road and wash water in maintenance areas. The water for haule road dust suppression 

will be mainly required during the dry season and will come from several sources, including the water 

storage tanks, or if available, water stored in sediment control dams, while in the case of water required 

for washing the volumes associated with this purpose are not significant. 

4.4.10.2 Power Supply 

As previously described, the power required by the project will come from the existing national network 

SEIN (National Interconnected Power System, by its initials in Spanish) at 220 kV through a connection in 

the Cajamarca Norte substation with a transmission line that will be connected with the new Conga 

substation, located in the concentrator plant area. 

The main loads in the concentrator plant area will be: 

SAG mill (≈27 MW) 

Ball mills (≈2 to 14.4 MW) The main loads for mining are: 

Primary crusher 

Conveyor belt 

Pumping stations for the raw water supply pipeline 

Administrative offices 

In case of emergencies, the diesel generators used during the construction stage will be used. The 

turning on and off of the generators will be automatic and will be activated by the loss or recovery of the 

power supply. 

With respect to the system capacity to supply the project power demand, CONENHUA, the local 

distribution company, has prepared several feasibility studies and has determined that in Cajamarca there 



4-45

is enough capacity to supply the electricity required by the project, which was confirmed in 2008 by PA 

Consulting company. 

4.4.10.3 Fuel Supply 

During the operation stage, the following fuels and petroleum by-products will be required: 

Diesel fuel 

Lubricants and oils 

These products will be supplied from Cajamarca in the amounts shown in Table 4.3.13. 

Diesel oil will be discharged and stored in a station designed for storing and dispensing fuel to mining 

vehicles. This station will be located along the Chailhuagón haul road. For light vehicles, there will be a 

station near the primary crusher. 

The station facilities will consist of discharge pumps and fuel dispensing pumps for heavy and light 

vehicles. Likewise, as preventive measures, there will be a platform for fueling and defueling, and an 

area with concrete lining for storage tanks and sumps. 

For containment purposes, in accordance with regulations, these tanks will be within a contained area 

with a minimum capacity of 110 percent of the largest tank volume. There will also be a system to detect 

leaks and spills and recover the product by means of a collection system. 

The diesel fuel will be stored in tanks in an appropriate area with suitable management systems, while 

gasoline, kerosene, propane, and natural gas use is not anticipated in this project. 

Used oil and lubricants will be stored temporarily in an area designed to control spills. These will be 

collected by an outside company, which will collect and transport the oil and lubricants to a suitable waste 

site. 

4.4.10.4 Other Supplies 

Process Reagents 

Process reagents will be supplied from Lima, Cajamarca, or another city, depending on the capacity to 

meet requirements. Appendix 4.15 of this report presents the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for 

each one of the reagents. The specific procedures for handling reagents adopted by the Conga Project 

are based on these MSDS and the applicable national and international guidelines (e.g., the U.S. 

Department of Transportation.) 

Reagents required for the process, especially for the flotation circuit, are: primary collector, 2 frothers, 

secondary collector, a modifier, and NaHS. Flocculants will be used for concentrates and tailings 

thickening. 

Collectors 

The primary collector will have a total consumption rate of 9 g/t of ore and will be transported by truck in 

bulk liquid form and will be discharged into the primary collector storage tank of 31 m 3 . 

The secondary collector, potassium amyl xanthate (PAX), will be used to improve the gold and copper 

recovery. The PAX will be received as a dry powder or pellets in bags of 750 kg and mixed with a 

solution of 20 percent water and then added to the circuit. The PAX will have a small mixing tank and its 

consumption rate is approximately 5 g/t of ore. 

Frother 

The 2 frothers will be added to the cyclone sumps, rougher distributor and key points of flotation cells. 

These reagents enhance the creation of air bubbles that carry the ore to the flotation cell supernatant. 



4-46

One of the frothers will be received by truck in bulk liquid form in containers and will be discharged into 45 

m 3 storage tanks. The other frother will be received in drums and discharged into a storage tank. 

A frother consumption of 15 g/t of ore is expected. 

Modifier 

The modifier reagent system will consist of a bulk delivery bag and a mixing system to prepare a 

2 percent solution by weight that will be added at key points in the flotation circuit. The modifier is used to 

reject useless ore and improve the final concentrate grade. The estimated consumption is 25 g/t ore. 

Depressants 

A depressant, sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS), will be used in the flotation circuit to improve the copper 

recovery from oxidized ore. NaHS will be received in 1-ton bags. 

Lime Supply and Feed 

Lime will be used as lime grout in the process of reducing the pyrite content in the flotation circuit and to 

improve the gold, silver, and copper floatability by controlling pH. Lime consumption will be approximately 

1,990 g/t for Perol ore and 600 g/t for Chailhuagón ore, assuming a lime purity of 75 percent. 

Lime will be supplied by the China Linda lime plant and will be delivered in pellet form in 27-ton 

containers. Lime grout will be stored in 1,200-ton silos and will be fed to the process by a screw feeder. 

Explosives Supply 

The explosives consumption (ammonium nitrate, emulsions and diesel) will vary over the life of the mine 

and explosives will be transported to the mine from Lima in special vehicles. The ammonium nitrate 

transport will be carried out according to applicable national regulations. 

Operations Supplies 

Operations supplies, such as mill balls, liners, welding supplies, paint, wood, and adhesives will be 

obtained, as far as possible, from local suppliers. If local supplies are insufficient or do not have the right 

quality, they will be obtained in Lima or specifically imported, as required. 

In the case of foodstuffs, for safety reasons they will be provided by a specialized contractor company 

which will prioritize the purchase of consumables in the local market whenever possible and under both 

technical and economic considerations. 

4.4.11 Personnel and Material Transport 

As in the construction stage, MYSRL will be responsible for transportation of workers to and from the 

work areas. Therefore, personnel from surrounding communities will be transported to and from the mine 

on a daily basis, while workers in areas such as Cajamarca, Celendín, or La Encañada will be transported 

to and from the mine according to the personnel shift schedule. 

As for consumables, depending on their origin, they may be transported using the main access road both 

for the case of products from coastal cities like Trujillo or Lima and for the case of products from 

Cajamarca. In the case of products from nearby locations, the access road to be used will depend on its 

location relative to the project and the transported consumable characteristics, but primarily the main 

access road will be used as described in Section 4.3.6.3. 

In general, the personnel and supply transport will be provided by a specialist contractor company, 

preferably a local company. 

4.4.12 Wastes, Effluents and Emissions of the Operations Stage 

It is anticipated that during the operations stage, the project will generate the following wastes, effluents, 

and/or emissions: 



4-47

Solid wastes: domestic solid wastes or similar to domestic and industrial wastes (non-hazardous and 

hazardous) 

Liquid wastes: sewage and wash water from maintenance shops 

Mining wastes: waste rock 

Process wastes: tailings 

Particulate matter and gases 


As in the case of the construction stage, during operation, MYSRL will implement the Waste Management 

Plan that will allow managing waste from collection to final disposal in an environmentally safe manner 

(Section 6.4.) 

Particulate matter, gases, and noise and vibrations will be managed according to their respective impact 

(Chapter 5) and mitigation measures. This information, as well as related monitoring activities, will be 

presented in a comprehensive plan (Chapter 6). A management plan will also be developed for the 

generation and disposal of waste rock and tailings. 

Finally, no effluent discharges to the environment are anticipated during operations since they will be 

treated internally or managed by a specialized company authorized to do so. Accordingly, domestic 

effluents, as well as those from the mining area and processing facilities, will be managed prior to their 

discharge into the tailings storage facility, thus avoiding contact of such effluents with the environment. 

Taking into account that the maximum number of workers during this stage is 1,800, and that an effluent 

generation is estimated at 20 liters per person per day, it is estimated that the total monthly effluent 

generation will be approximately 1,080 m 3 at its highest stage. The management system will 

appropriately account for such volumes. 



4-48

Section 5.0 - Environmental and Socio- 

Economic Impact Evaluation 

5.1 Overview 

This chapter evaluates the effects of the Conga Project’s activities on physical, biological, human interest, 

and socioeconomic components included in the baseline study. The first three components’ impacts are 

presented in Section 5.2, while the socio-economic component, given the properties of the applied 

methodology, is presented in Section 5.3. 

It must be pointed out that in all cases the impact’s final classification is based on the residual impact 

evaluation; i.e., those impacts foreseen after management measures considered by MYSRL are 

executed. These measures are included in chapters discussing the Environmental Management Plan 

(Chapter 6) and Social Management Plan (Chapter 7). 

Corresponding analysis for the aforementioned components and applied impact evaluation, including its 

results, are included next. 

5.2 Environmental and human interest impact evaluation 

5.2.1 Definition of concepts 

Understanding the impact analysis chapter is dependent on the knowledge and management of concepts 

to be applied during its development to avoid creating confusion during its application. To facilitate this 

task, a detailed list of key concepts has been developed, which is included in Table 5.2.1. 

Of the concepts introduced in Table 5.2.1, the ones more frequently used in this chapter are detailed 

next. First, the term “impact” is defined as the valuation of an effect considering the level of change and 

value of the item analyzed; while the “effect” represents the change of an element of the system’s value 

resulting from the project’s implementation. 

5.2.2 Definition of activities, subcomponents, and final receptors 

The first step to develop an impact evaluation is to determine the activities to be performed during the 

project’s construction and operation stages and what subcomponents and environmental receptors may 

be affected by the same. 

It is worth mentioning that the environmental impact assessment includes the operation and construction 

stages since the closure stage is considered a stage where the area’s conditions are restored to premining 

conditions to the extent practical; hence, there is not a need to perform an impact evaluation 

assessment for closure. This stage is described in the Conceptual Closure Plan (Chapter 10) of this 

document. 

Furthermore, it is important to establish that the construction stage’s effects are evaluated considering the 

environmental receptor baseline while in the case of the operations stage the framework is the projected 

status after construction activities, since some reversible impacts might imply that the receptor status after 

construction is reverted to the baseline status in practical terms, i.e. air quality. It is important to keep this 

assumption in mind to avoid duplicating impacts for both stages. 

The definition of activities to be performed per stage is presented in the Project Description (Chapter 4) of 

this report. However, a summary and integration of environmentally relevant activities is presented next. 

5.2.2.1 Considered Activities 

Construction Stage 

Considered activities during this stage for the construction of each Conga Project facility are as follows: 

Perol Pit 



5-1

Clearing activities 

Topsoil removal 

Earthworks 

Bog removal 

Water transferal 

Chailhuagon Pit 



Earthworks 

Bog removal 


Perol Waste Rock Storage Facility 



Earthworks 

Bog removal 


Chailhuagon Waste Rock Storage Facility 



Earthworks 

Civil Works 

Topsoil Stockpiles 



Earthworks 

Civil Works 

Bog removal 

Material disposal 

Processing Facilities 



Earthworks 

Civil Works 

Bog removal 


Structural, mechanical, drain, and instrument systems facilities (SMPE&I) 

Tailings Management Facilities 



Earthworks 

Civil Works 



Water Management Facilities 



5-2



Earthworks 

Civil Works 

Bog removal 



Borrow Areas (quarries) 



Earthworks 

Civil Works 

Main Access Road 

Equipment, machinery, consumables, and staff hauling and transportation 

Internal Roads 



Earthworks 

Civil Works 

Ancillary Facilities 



Earthworks 

Civil Works 


Special substance management 

Project in General 

Internal transportation 

Waste generation 

Water use 

Chart 5.2.1 includes an activities summary considered in the construction stage’s impact assessment. 



5-3

Perol Pit 


Perol waste rock storage facility 

Chailhuagon waste rock storage 

facility 






Main access road 

Internal roads 


Project in general 

Chart 5.2.1 

Considered activities – Construction stage 

Clearing Activities 


Earthworks 

Operation Stage 

Included activities during the construction stage are: 

Pit Mining 

Blasting 

Ore mining 

Mined material management 

Ore and Waste Rock Material Hauling 

Ore and waste rock material hauling 

Waste Rock Storage 

Waste rock storage 


Ore crushing 

Civil Works 



5-4 

Bog Removal 



Structural, mechanical, drain, and 

instrument systems facilities (SMPE&I) 

Equipment, machinery, consumable, and 

staff hauling and transportation to the 

project’s area 




Water use

Crushed Material Hauling and Disposal 

Conveyor belt operation 

Crushed material temporary disposal 

Ore Processing 

Milling 

Flotation, thickening, and filtration 

Concentrate storage 

Tailings Management 

Tailings transportation 

Tailings disposal 

Water Management 

Water use 

Reservoir operation 

Sediment pond operation 

Acid water treatment plant operation 

Temporary storage facility operation 

Ancillary Operations 

Equipment, machinery, consumable, and staff hauling and transportation to the area 




Chart 5.2.2 includes a summary of activities considered in impact assessment for the operation stage. 



5-5

Pit mining 

Ore and waste 

rock material 

transportation 

Waste rock 

storage 

Primary 

crusher 

operation 

Crushed 

material 


and disposal 

Ore 

processing 

Tailings 

management 

Water 

management 

Ancillary 

operations 

Blasting 

Ore mining 

Mined ore management 


Chart 5.2.2 

Considered activities – Operation stage 


Ore crushing 


Crushed ore temporary disposal 

Milling 

Flotation, thickening, and filtration 



5-6 




Water use 

Reservoir operation 

Sediment pond operation 

Acid water treatment plant operation 

Temporary storage facility operation 

Equipment, machinery, consumables, and 

staff hauling and transportation 

5.2.2.2 Environmental Subcomponents 

The definition of environmental subcomponents under study is presented in the Area Description Study 

(Chapter 3) of this report; however, pertinent subcomponents to be evaluated are presented next: 

Geomorphology and topography 

Air quality 


Soil 

Surface water 

Groundwater 


Special substances management 

Waste generation

Flora and vegetation 

Land fauna 

Aquatic life 

Landscape 

Road traffic 

Archeological remains 

5.2.2.3 Final Receptors 

A final impact receptor approach has been considered within the methodology to be used during the 

environmental impact analysis to have a more specific classification of the generated impact and a more 

effective Environmental Management Plan (Chapter 6). To that end, each environmental subcomponent 

is divided into several sections depending on the tool generating the impact (for instance, basin 

approach). 

Direct occupation, project discharges, spills or leaks, project water decanting and demand, filtration, dust, 

gas, noise, and vibration emissions, congestions, and incidents and accidents are among the affectation 

mechanisms for the construction and operation stages. Each one is somehow related to the 

environmental subcomponents. Hence, each mechanism has been divided into areas of affectation (final 

receptor) where the occurrence of residual impacts is observed. 

First, potential impacts were identified based on activities to be executed for the construction stage of the 

Conga Project. These activities were described in Chapter 4. Facilities are as follows: 

Perol pit 

Chailhuagon pit 


Chailhuagon waste rock storage facility 






Internal roads 


Project in general 

It is worth mentioning that when reference is made to “all facilities” it does not consider the project’s main 

access road since this document includes a specific analysis for this item in Section 5.2.4.14. However, 

this road is being evaluated in this document due to the consequences expected from a traffic flow 

increase resulting from the project’s equipment, machinery, consumables, and staff hauling and 

transportation to the area. 

In addition, residual impacts during the operation stage will be generated as a result of the following 

Conga Project’s facilities activities: 

Pit exploration 




Crushed material hauling and disposal 

Ore processing 

Tailings management 



5-7


Ancillary operations 

When each component is exposed to the different activities of each project stage, final residual impact 

receptors do not necessarily coincide during the construction and operation stages for the same 

component. 

Final receptors per subcomponent for both stages based on the applicable affectation mechanism are 

defined next. 

Geomorphology and Topography 

Construction and Operation Stage 

This subcomponent includes the project’s direct occupation as an affectation mechanism and the final 

receptor has been determined as the area of direct influence since it is the only potential affectation 

during the construction and operation stages. 

Soils 


Soils have a direct occupation affectation mechanism during this stage. Final receptors are grouped 

based on the Conga Project’s five basins: Toromacho basin, Alto Jadibamba basin, Chugurmayo basin, 

Alto Chirimayo basin, and Chailhuagon river basin. 

No residual impact is expected for this subcomponent during the operation stage since it is assumed that 

soil loss covers the totality of the project’s footprint as consequence of the construction of facilities. 

Therefore, no additional loss is expected during the operation stage for this subcomponent. 

Air Quality 

Construction and Operation Stages 

In the case of particle and gas emissions, considering that the associated analysis is focused on the 

protection of people, impact has been assessed at the population center or community level. 

Consequently, the area under study has been divided into 9 sectors (Table 5.2.2 and Figure 5.2.1), 8 

defined by wind direction and 1 denominated center, which corresponds mainly to the operations area. 

Communities evaluated within each sector have been included as part of the Socio-economic baseline 

(Chapter 3). The main factor affecting particle and gas dispersion into the environment is wind direction. 

Consequently, the area to be evaluated has been divided into sectors of incidence, based on this 

parameter. 

Noise and Vibrations 


This subcomponent’s affectation mechanism is noise and vibration emissions. The same criteria as 

applied to air quality have been followed to define final receptors. Hence, noise and vibration affectation 

areas are the eight defined sectors based on wind direction , and the center sector where the Conga 

Project facilities are located. 

Surface Water 

Surface water final receptors included in the impact analysis are described next. Sections 5.2.4.5 and 

5.2.4.6 make a distinction between resource quality and quantity changes respectively. 

Construction stage 

Four potential affectation mechanisms have been defined for this stage: direct occupation, project 

discharges, spills or leaks, and project’s water demand. Spills and leaks have been identified only as 

risks. 

As described in the impact analysis (Section 5.2.4.5), direct occupation implies two types of impacts that 

affect the following final receptors: 



5-8

Considering changes to water intake area: 

The project facility construction activities imply changes of this type at the project’s 5 involved basins 

(Alto Jadibamba, Chugurmayo, Alto Chirimayo, Chailhuagon, and Toromacho ), which represent the 

final receptors. 

Considering the variation of the system’s storage capacity: 

The replacement of the Perol Lake associated with the development of the Perol Pit implies this type of 

change in the Alto Chirimayo basin. 

The replacement of Mala Lake associated with the development of the Chailhuagon Pit implies this 

type of change in the Chirimayo River basin. 

The replacement of Azul and Chica lakes associated with the development of the Perol Waste Rock 

Storage Facility implies this type of change in the Alto Jadibamba River basin. 

Four discharge points of the Conga Project have been defined as final receptors at the hydrographic 

basins. These four points are located at the discharge points from the project’s reservoirs: Chailhuagon, 

Perol, upper and lower, which will discharge flows into the Chailhuagon, Chirimayo, Toromacho, and Alto 

Jadibamba rivers respectively. Additionally, the Chugurmayo basin has been considered a final receptor, 

since a small portion of the proposed Perol pit footprint is located in this basin. Consequently, 

construction activities will take place in this area. 

Regarding the project’s water demand during the construction stage, final receptors have been analyzed 

in the 5 basins that would show a change. 

Operation stage 

This stage’s impact mechanisms are: direct occupation, project discharges, spill or leak potentials, and 

the project’s water demand. Similar to the construction stage, spills and leaks were identified only as 

risks and are treated as such. 

Regarding direct occupation, considering that the tailings storage facility is the only project item that will 

occupy an area that will significantly increase during this stage (tailings gradual disposal), modifying the 

intake areas’ characteristics in the basin’s upper portion, it is considered that the only final receptor for 

this type of impact is the Alto Jadibamba basin. 

For water body quality changes resulting from the project, discharge points of corresponding basins have 

been defined as final receptors, i.e., the Toromacho basin, Alto Jadibamba basin, Alto Chirimayo basin, 

and Chailhuagon basin. 

Regarding potential impacts to water demand during the operation stage, only the Alto Jadibamba, 

Toromacho, and Alto Chirimayo basins were analyzed, since they are the only areas involved in the 

potential water demand impacts. Water in the Chugurmayo ravine basin and Chailhuagon River will not 

be used by the project. 

Groundwater 

Receptors included in the groundwater analysis are included next. Sections 5.2.4.7 and 5.2.4.8 make the 

distinction between resource quantity and quality changes respectively. 


Potential affectation mechanisms for this subcomponent are: direct occupation, estimated infiltrations, 

and unexpected infiltrations. However, given the construction activities’ characteristics, no residual 

impacts were identified for estimated or unexpected filtrations; they were only identified as risks. 



5-9

Five project basins have been defined as final potential receptors resulting from a direct occupation. 


Groundwater impact mechanisms for the construction stage are the same as those defined for the 

construction stage, i.e., direct occupation, estimated filtrations, and unexpected filtrations. Again, only 

risks for estimated and unexpected filtrations were identified. 

Regarding estimated filtrations and direct occupation, common final potential receptors have been 

established, which are the five project basins involved: Alto Jadibamba, Chugurmayo, Alto Chirimayo, 

Chailhuagon, and Toromacho. The fact of having the same potential receptors is due to the fact that any 

residual impact generated by both mechanisms is expected to be produced by the same activities: ore 

mining, waste rock storage, crushed material temporary stockpile, and tailings disposal. 

Flora and Vegetation 


Flora and vegetation will be affected by the direct occupation of Conga Project facilities, specifically, 

clearing activities. This subcomponent’s final receptors are the five sectors: Toromacho, Alto Jadibamba, 

Chugurmayo, Alto Chirimayo, and Chailhuagon. 

Residual impacts for this subcomponent are not expected during the operation stage since this stage’s 

areas have already been impacted during the construction stage. 

Land Fauna 


The land fauna affectation mechanism during this stage is owed to clearing activities for project facility 

occupation purposes. This mechanism will generate land fauna habitat and dispersion affectation 

impacts. Regarding habitat affectation, the Toromacho, Alto Jadibamba, Chugurmayo, Alto Chirimayo , 

and Chailhuagon basins will be affected by project development. In the case of land fauna dispersion, 

the final receptor will mainly be the direct occupation of the project area and its immediate surroundings. 


As with the construction stage, impacts will occur due to direct occupation of the Conga Project activities. 

Final receptor for this impact is the dispersion area due to noise generation. 

Aquatic Life 


Direct occupation of the project facilities and discharges from the project are the affectation mechanisms 

during the construction and operation stages. Final receptors for this subcomponent during both stages 

would be the Toromacho, Alto Jadibamba, Chugurmayo, Alto Chirimayo, and Chailhuagon basins. 

Landscape 


Impacts to landscape will occur due to the direct occupation of the Conga Project facilities. Final 

receptors for this subcomponent are the same for both stages and they will be evaluated from different 

populated areas (considered as observation points). Receptors are: Toromacho area, from the La Florida 

de Huasmin community; Alto Jadibamba area, from the Huasiyuc community; Chugurmayo area, from the 

Chugurmayo community; Alto Chirimayo area, from the Agua Blanca community; and the Chailhuagon 

area, from the San Nicolas community. In all cases, these communities become the receptors with the 

highest potential of experiencing this subcomponent’s changes in each basin due to the project’s 

proximity. 

Archeological Remains 

Operation and Construction Stages 



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Potential impacts to archeological remains is given by the direct occupation of all Conga Project facilities. 

However, since an Archeological Rescue Project will be developed for identified, evaluated, and outlined 

archeological sites, only risks for this subcomponent have been considered. 

Road Traffic 

Operation and Construction Stage 

Affectation mechanisms for road traffic for the operation and construction stages are traffic congestion 

and accidents/incidents. Additionally, even when spills are mainly related to other subcomponents’ 

affection, they are included as a road traffic impact. 

Considering that accidents/incidents and spills have been identified as risks for the project’s main road 

and internal roads for both stages, final receptors for these mechanisms have not been established. 

Regarding road congestions, the same final receptors have been defined for the project’s two stages 

which are the road portion from the Yanacocha complex to Minas Conga and internal roads. 

It is worth mentioning that only the road portion from the Yanacocha complex to the Conga Project 

(“Kilometer 24” -Maqui Maqui –Totorococha lake – Conga Project) has been evaluated, since access to 

the Yanacocha complex is part of previous environmental studies which include construction and 

operation stages. 

5.2.3 Impact Evaluation Methodology 

Applied impact evaluation methodology is based on the “Environmental Impact Evaluation Methodological 

Guidelines” (Conesa Fernández-Vítora et ál, 2003). Knight Piésold has amended this methodology to 

have a methodology that can be better applied to the mining industry. Knight Piésold incorporates 

additional steps to the Conesa methodology to define the environmental subcomponent’s significance at 

final the receptor level. Details for each established step to perform an impact analysis are included next. 

5.2.3.1 Check Matrix 

The first step of the impact evaluation consists of determining where the effects take place. This is 

determined with a check matrix that includes each activity and final receptor. When at least one activity 

effect on a receptor with a high level of certainty is identified, the (X) effect code is applied in the matrix. 

When there is a possibility of an effect occurrence but the probability of an occurrence is not known or 

measurable, the effect is considered a risk and the (R) effect code is applied. When no effect or risk is 

decided, corresponding (O) code is applied, as detailed next: 

X effect 

R risk 

O no effect or risk 

Only the interaction between activities and final receptors applied as (X) code in the check matrix are 

selected to be included in the next impact evaluation procedure step. Those activities checked as “R” are 

considered as contingencies and they are included in the Emergency Response and Contingency Plan 

(Chapter 6). 

A pre-matrix where each subcomponent source and potential impact location was included was 

developed to facilitate filling out the check matrix (Tables 5.2.3 and 5.2.4). Depending on the affectation 

mechanism, different criteria were applied to complete the matrix. For the air quality case, results of a 

previous modeling exercise (screening) were used to identify potentially affected areas. In the case of 

project discharges, spills, or leaks, project water decanting and demand, estimated and unexpected 

infiltration, specific basins or water bodies potentially affected by the presence of facilities were identified. 

Related traffic impacts were identified based on variations at the Yanacocha complex and Minas Conga 

portion of the main access road and the project’s internal roads. 



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Tables 5.2.5 and 5.2.6 include impact check matrices for the areas that will be affected by the project’s 

facilities and their activities during the construction and operation stages. 

5.2.3.2 Effect significance 

The second step for the impact evaluation is to determine the specific effects generated by the different 

activities at each final receptor; i.e., comprehensively determine the significance of each effect on the final 

receptor. 

The significance of an effect (SE) is numerically calculated applying a series of factors that characterize 

the environmental effect. Factors are: 

± Character Identifies if the effect represents a positive or negative change over the final 

receptor. 

Ma Magnitude Refers to the effect’s intensity over the final receptor. Intensity can be 

classified as: 

Minimal 

Moderate 

Considerable 

Drastic 

Complete 

Ex Extension Refers to the activity’s effect on the final receptor or geographical range. It 

can be divided into: 

Very small: source impact within the final receptor or project’s 

footprint 

Small: extended impact without fully reaching the final receptor or 

project’s footprint 

Medium: impact covers the entire final receptor or project’s footprint 

Large: local impact (outside final receptor or project’s footprint) 

Very large: regional impact 

Mo Momentum Refers to the time between the activity’s execution and the effect generation 

on the environmental subcomponent. It may be: 

Long delay 

Moderate delay 

Immediate 

D Duration Refers to the length of time of the effect’s persistence. It may be classified 

as: 

Short term 

Temporary 

Permanent 

R Reversibility Refers to the final receptor’s ability to recover from the activity’s effect. In 

terms of reversibility, the effect is classified as: 

Reversible: when the receptor returns to its baseline status without 

human intervention 

Recoverable: when the receptor returns to its baseline status only 

through human intervention 

Irreversible/Irrecoverable: effects are permanent 

A Accumulation Describes the progressive increment of the effect’s manifestation when the 

action that generates it continuously or repeatedly persists. Based on the 

presence or absence of this characteristic, effects are classified as: 

Not accumulated 

Accumulated 

P Periodicity Describes the frequency of the effect’s occurrence, which can be: 



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Irregular 

Constant 

The numeric valuation of each factor is included in Table 5.2.7. The classification system was adapted 

from the Conesa proposal (2003). The significance of each effect is calculated applying the following 

Conesa expression: 

SE = (±) 3 Ma + 2 Ex + Mo + D + R + A + P 

It is considered that the effect’s magnitude (Ma) and extension (Ex) are the factors with most influence on 

the effect’s significance. Hence, it receives an additional score in the calculation. 

5.2.3.3 Final Receptor Significance 

The third step of the impact evaluation is to determine the final receptor’s significance within the 

environment under study. This significance (SR) is a weight applied to each significance value calculated 

in step 2. This evaluation allows the person performing the impact evaluation to take into account the 

existence of national or regional interest on the receptor. For instance, the effect on an area’s specific 

ecosystem where similar elements do not exist can receive an ecological context higher than the 

ecosystem itself within an area where other elements of similar characteristics exist. Although the 

subcomponent’s significance value is subjective, the subjectivity level can be controlled by implementing 

the following procedure: 

1. Determine the final receptor’s relative rarity at national level (Sn). 

2. Determine the final receptor’s relative rarity at local level (Sl). 

3. Determine if local, domestic, or international objectives exist to preserve the receptor (physical 

protection) (O). 

4. Determine the receptor or environmental subcomponent’s baseline quality or buffering ability (Cr). 

5. Determine the relative importance of the environmental subcomponent to be impacted compared with 

the relative values of other final receptors to be considered by the impact evaluation (Ic). 

Each final receptor’s significance factor is classified with a value between 0 and 5 where numeric values 

correspond to the criteria included in Table 5.2.8. 

In the case of numeric values applicable to the presence or absence of international, domestic, and 

provincial objectives, 0 is applied if no objectives exist and 5 if they exist. 

The final receptor’s significance is determined applying the aforementioned factor values: 

SR = (Sn + Sl + O + Cr + Ic) / N 

Where N represents the amount of factors considered in the analysis, per pertinence. The 

subcomponent’s significance numerical value is classified as: 

1 The receptor’s final significance is very low 

2 The receptor’s final significance is low 

3 The receptor’s final significance is moderate 

4 The receptor’s final significance is high 

5 The receptor’s final significance is very high 

5.2.3.4 Impact Significance 

The impact evaluation process’ fourth step is to apply the final receptor’s significance as an identified 

effect’s significance score. The multiplication of the effect’s significance along with the final receptor’s 

significance effect results in the final receptor’s impact significance per considered activity (SI). The 

calculation is: 



5-13

SI = SE x SR 

The resulting calculation value is a number between 1 and 400. To make the valuing system more 

didactic, the range of SI’s potential values has been classified as shown next. Each significance level has 

been assigned a color for its use in the associated Tables: 

1 - 23 Very Low Significance Light Blue 

24 a 74 Low Significance Light Green 

75 a 153 Moderate Significance Amarillo 

154 a 260 High Significance Orange 

261 a 400 Very High Significance Red 

5.2.3.5 Area of Influence 

The last step of the impact analysis corresponds to the determination of areas of influence, per 

component. Hence, two types of influence areas have been defined: direct area of influence and indirect 

area of influence. 

The Direct Area of Influence (DAI) is defined as the space in which the occurrence of negative or positive 

significant impacts is estimated. The Indirect Area of Influence (IAI) is defined as the space in which it is 

estimated the occurrence of minor impacts. In the case of some of the evaluated subcomponents, the 

effects of the development of the project’s activities are very localized and do not generate long range 

impacts in time or space. Hence, it is considered that the IAI coincides with the DAI for this 

subcomponent. 

The area of influence’s coverage is based on each evaluated subcomponent. Consequently, it is not 

possible to present a common area of influence for all of them. The integration of the different 

environmental subcomponent’s areas of influence into only one area can lead to an overestimation error 

of the project’s effect over this subcomponent. 

The areas of influence have been identified taking into account the foreseen mitigation measures to offset 

the identified environmental impacts. The Environmental Management Plan describes identified 

mitigation measures for each subcomponent (Chapter 6). 

The specific methodology for each component to determine the areas of direct and indirect influence for 

each analyzed stage is described next. 

Geomorphology and Topography 

The DAI includes areas to be intervened as consequence of the project infrastructures’ occupation during 

the construction and operation stages. Given the characteristics of this subcomponent the IAI coincides 

with the DAI. 

Soils 

During the construction stage, the DAI includes surfaces to be intervened at each basin by the occupation 

of the project’s facilities. Consequently, to determine the DAI the entire Conga Project footprint was 

considered (including borrow areas). No additional soil within the facilities’ direct occupation area is 

expected to be affected due to the project development. Consequently, the IAI coincides with the DAI. 

Regarding the operation stage, no additional areas besides the areas impacted during the construction 

stage are expected to be affected. Consequently, no increased area of influence is estimated for this 

stage. 

Air Quality 



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The DAI for the construction and operation stages for this subcomponent is the area between the 

emission source and the isogram representing a contribution of 5 µg/ m 3 particulate matter. In operation, 

areas of potential impacts were included for year 8 and year 13 based on the estimations included in 

Appendix 5.1. This limit has been considered based on the recommendations included in the Air Quality 

and Emissions Monitoring Protocol published by MEM. 

In addition, according to the Air Quality Impact Guidelines for Mine-Metallurgic Activities published by 

MEM, the impact is insignificant when the release represents 10% of the reference value. In the case of 

PM10, reference value is 50 µg/m 3 (S.D. Nº 074-2001-PCM). Hence, the isogram representing the IAI is 

the same as for the DAI (5 µg/m 3 ). 

Noise 

The noise DAI is the area where there are significant sound emission sources (clearing activities, ore 

crushing, milling, and others) and the isogram that includes the areas where it is estimated the baseline 

status will be significantly impacted. Considering the noise level model and MEM’s Noise Issues 

Management for the Mining Industry the areas between the emission point and the 60 dB(A) isogram was 

outlined as the operational and blasting noise impact DAI. 

Additionally, a conservative approach was applied to establish the IAI as a 40 dB(A) isogram. According 

to MEM’s Environmental Guidelines this value corresponds to a peaceful urban area. 

The noise level increase generated by the Perol and Chailhuagon pits’ blasting activities is managed (one 

blasting activity per day) and noise from the same would have impacts within an area similar to the 

project’s construction and operation stages activities, i.e., areas would be contained within 

aforementioned areas. 

Surface Water 

Water Quantity 

The Conga Project surface water quantity’s DAI is the drainages that will be affected due to the project 

infrastructure’s direct location. These drainages are located at the Alto Chirimayo, Chailhuagon basin, 

Toromacho basin, Alto Jadibamba basin, and Chugurmayo basin. 

Additionally, areas located between the project’s facilities and upstream structures capable of diverting 

flows that otherwise would drain directly into the direct infrastructure’s location reaching (for instance, 

diversion canals) will be considered as the DAI. 

The inclusion or exclusion within the water areas’ DAI downstream of the project’s facilities depends on 

the proposed mitigation’s effect. Hence, if according to the impact analysis no significant impact is 

expected within these areas, they will not be included within the DAI. 

The IAI will include the same DAI areas and, depending on the impact’s significance outside the DAI and 

conditioned to the expected effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures, the IAI may include 

additional areas. 

Water Quality 

A receptor quantity change is normally associated with a quality change due to concentration effect 

variations resulting from higher or lower water availability. Considering the aforementioned, the surface 

water’s DAI –in terms of quality- will include the same surface water areas defined as DAI for surface 

water quantity. 

Likewise, surface water quality and quantity are considered as sharing the same IAI. 



5-15

It is worth mentioning that, considering the project’s design philosophy, which does not include effluent 

discharges at any occupied basin, no direct or indirect areas of influence are defined for surface water 

quality outside the areas of influence associated with water quality changes. 

Groundwater 

Water Quantity 

Considering the surface and groundwater link, it is estimated that the DAI for this subcomponent will 

include the DAI associated with surface water. This is mainly due to project infrastructure change effects 

at the recharge and filtration areas and on surface and groundwater flows. 

However, considering that the Chailhuagon and Perol pits show an area of influence different from the 

one shown by the surface subcomponent due to the effect that one geomorphological modification of this 

type may have on phreatic levels within the recharge area (depression cone), it has been considered that 

this subcomponent’s DAI will be comprised by the surface water’s DAI plus the pit depression cone area. 

Similar to surface water, the IAI will include the same DAI areas and, depending on the impact’s 

significance outside the DAI, the IAI may include additional areas, all conditioned to the proposed 

mitigation measures’ expected effectiveness. 

Water Quality 

Although there are areas in which no significant chemical characteristic changes are expected given the 

geochemical nature of the area’s predominant rock, such as the area to be occupied within the 

Chailhuagón basin, this subcomponent’s quantity and quality ratio will be prioritized when defining areas 

of influence. This represents a conservative approach. 

Hence, this receptor’s DAI will be defined as the groundwater quality’s DAI. Likewise, and in line with the 

analysis, groundwater quantity and quality will share the IAI. 

Flora and Vegetation 

The flora and vegetation will be affected by the Conga Project facility’s direct occupation during the 

construction stage. Specifically, due to clearing activities; hence, the project’s footprint (including borrow 

areas) is included as this environmental subcomponent’s DAI. Additionally, since no significant impact is 

expected for this subcomponent beyond the project’s footprint, it is considered that the IAI coincides with 

the DAI. 

Given the fact that activities during the operation stage are restricted to previously impacted areas, no 

DAI or IAI are defined for this stage. 

Land Fauna 

The land fauna affectation mechanism during the construction stage is associated with the area’s direct 

occupation and noise emissions. Hence, habitat affectation activities, such as clearing activities, will have 

a localized influence on the project’s footprint due to the loss of feeding and shelter areas. Hence, the 

DAI is restricted to this footprint. However, another form of affectation, fauna dispersion due to noise 

emissions associated with the project’s construction activities, will generate a larger area of influence. 

This area of influence will be defined as 40 dB(A) which would define the project’s IAI. 

No direct occupation affectation of areas additional to the ones included for the construction stage is 

expected for the operation stage. Hence, this stage’s impact would be restricted to the noise generation 

affected area. Consequently, the IAI will be defined by the 40 dB(A) isogram. 

Aquatic Life 

Aquatic life habitat quality and availability will be affected by several project activities. As a result, this 

subcomponent’s DAI includes the Conga Project facilities’ area of occupation and those areas affected by 



5-16

the project’s discharge impacts at several basins. Since significant impacts beyond the DAI are not 

expected for this subcomponent the IAI is included with the latter. 

Landscape 

The construction and operation stages’ landscape DAI is defined based on components inherent to the 

project (direct occupation of facilities) and by visual accessibility to critical areas confined within the 

perception threshold. It is worth mentioning that the DAI has been estimated based on human perception 

as well. Hence, it has been defined including visual accessibility from high human presence points of 

interest, distance, and atmospheric conditions. 

Visual accessibility areas, which constitute a fraction of the land visualized from the facilities, and vice 

versa, are generated from the project’s main facilities. Likewise, the baseline evaluation determined that 

the project is visually inaccessible from surrounding communities. Only one location was included for 

each evaluation area. 

It is known that as objects move away from the observer details begin to fade until they are not seen at 

all. Perception thresholds are based on atmospheric clarity and pressure. Hence, most employed values 

are between 2 and 3 km (Ramos and col., 1976; Seinitz and col., 1974). In the project’s case, a 2 km 

distance has been considered from the project’s boundaries and based on the evaluation area’s 

peculiarities and typical atmospheric conditions. 

The landscape’s DAI for both stages is defined as the calculated visual basin within a 2 km threshold. 

Since no significant impact is estimated for this component outside the 2 km threshold, the IAI is 

considered to agree with the DAI. 

Archeological Remains 

No area of influence is considered for this subcomponent since works will be planned in advance of the 

construction stage to avoid affecting archeological remains through tasks that include the recovery of any 

identified item, described in Chapter 3. Additionally, an Archeological Remain Absence Certificate – 

CIRA in Spanish is available for most of the project area. However, by the date this document was 

developed, a CIRA had been requested for one area (Minas Conga II Area). 

Road Traffic 

This subcomponent’s DAI correspond to the following portion: “Maqui Maqui –Totoracocha lake –Conga 

Project”, for the project’s main access and the new north-south and east-west corridors. Since no 

significant impact is expected outside the aforementioned portion, it is considered that the IAI agrees with 

the DAI. 

5.2.4 Environmental Impact Analysis 

5.2.4.1 Geomorphology and Topography 

Baseline Study Summary 

The area under study shows features that are the result of a prolonged evolution originated by tectonic 

factors, erosive processes, and deposits that have molded the relief through its current status. The 

following landscape units have been defined: alluvial fluvial and mountainous plain. 

Alluvial Fluvial Plain General Landscape 

Comprised of alluvial plains (fluvial and colluvium-alluvial); despite the fact that they take up small 

surfaces, they have been classified as general landscape due to their relief’s contrast. The general 

landscape includes the following: 

Recent fluvial landscape: includes softer relief geofixes within the area. Comprised of quaternary period 

fluvial deposits under constant formation due to river and material contributions. 



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Colluvium-alluvial landscape: comprised of quaternary and sub-quaternary period materials that have 

deposited in hill and mountain slopes after a short term excursion, generally due to gravity and 

concentrated run-offs. 

Glacial fluvial Altiplanic landscape: comprised of land that has been molded and/or deposited by the 

action of glaciers or melting glaciers resulting from paleoclimate conditions. 

General Mountainous Landscape 

Includes rugged geo shapes with a strong washboard appearance. This general landscape includes the 

following landscapes: 

Intrusive rock mountainous landscape: land shapes formed by acid plutonic rocks (tonalite, granodiorite, 

diorite). 

Volcanic rock mountainous landscape: physiographic unit mainly constituted by volcanic material. This 

landscape is constituted by local mountains’ baseline peaks, spurs, or slopes and toes. 

Folded rock strata sedimentary mountain landscape: sedimentary mountainous land formations of fine 

texture folded rocky strata. 

Plutonic rock mountain landscape: geofixes constituted by plutonic mountains of porphyroblastic 

quartzite, and sandstone crust. 

Sedimentary rock mountain landscape: land formation constituted by limestone, gray folds and 

marlstone, and sandstone sedimentary mountains. 

Methodology 

The following activities were performed to estimate relief impacts: 

Collection of information obtained from the environmental baseline study (Chapter 3) that includes a 

detailed relief description. 

Relief mapping and topographical characteristics evaluated by the environmental baseline study. 

Description of construction and operation activities (Chapter 4). 

Significance of Final Receptor 

The final receptor significance scoring was based on the very low local and national relief rarity, i.e., this 

type of relief is very common within the western mountain range. It follows a continuity throughout the 

domestic territory hence it is considered a very common formation. Regarding this subcomponent’s 

conservation and baseline quality, they were not considered because they are applicable to the relief. 

The environmental subcomponent’s relevance scoring was qualified as significant since, despite the fact 

of its commonality, the relief allows the development of specific systems that generate a habitat 

alternative for species of ecological and economic interest. 

Considering the aforementioned, it is concluded that the final receptor’s significance can be classified as 

low. 

Residual Impacts 

Residual impacts generated by Conga Project construction and operation activities on relief (Tables 5.2.9 

and 5.2.10) are included next. Results of the impact’s final analysis are included as well. 

Construction 

Relief modification resulting from general infrastructure construction earthworks including internal roads 

and borrow areas. 

The relief will not be significantly affected by the different project construction activities since they will not 

generate relevant alterations within the area. Although it is true that these modifications will make use of 

the facilities’ footprint, they will be specific within a relief context. Based on the exposed and considering 



5-18

a proper structure design, which aims to reduce in the extent possible areas to be intervened, it is 

concluded that, as a whole, these relief modifications represent a low significance impact. 

Results obtained for relief impacts are greatly influenced by the low final receptor significance described 

in the previous item. Table 5.2.9 includes impact matrix results for this environmental subcomponent. 

Operation 

Relief modifications resulting from pit ore mining, and waste rock and tailings disposal. 

Similar to the construction stage, effects on relief will be locally restricted, representing specific effects to 

the relief’s contextual framework. These localized alterations are related first to the formation of two 

depressions: one at each area corresponding to two pits; and second, by an elevated surface formation of 

medium height at the waste rock and tailings storage facility areas. These impacts show that the effects’ 

magnitude will be drastic and its extension will be medium and, additionally, effects will be permanent and 

irreversible. 

Finally, the final impact classification is of moderate significance since the project’s occupation area relief 

is considered as a low significance receptor. Table 5.2.10 includes the impact matrix results for this 

subcomponent during the operation stage. 

Area of Influence 

Based on the criteria presented in Section 5.2.3.5, this subcomponent’s DAI and IAI is included in Figure 

5.2.2 for the construction stage and in Figure 5.2.3 for the operation stage. 

5.2.4.2 Soil 


Fifty-nine sampling spots were evaluated within the Conga Project’s area of study using pit excavations, 

landscape’s natural sections, and road sections. Of the total analyzed spots, 197 samples were obtained 

for characterization purposes and 47 samples for heavy metal analysis purposes. 

Twenty-three soil units were identified which have been taxonomically clustered and described as 

subgroup Soil Taxonomy - USDA. For practical reasons and easy identification purposes a local name 

was assigned to them. These soil units, defined as subgroup, were outlined in the soil map through 

cartographic units, consociation, complex, and subgroup association. Edaphic units have been clustered 

into 16 consociations, 3 of which are edaphic units and 1 a miscellaneous unit. Associations have been 

clustered into 23 units, all as edaphic associations with miscellaneous rocks. 

Regarding the capacity of land main use, 5 groups were found within the area of study. The first group 

corresponds to farming enabled land (A), land of medium and low quality that presents edaphic and 

topographical limitations. Additionally, permanent farming land (C) was found, showing a limitation for 

perennial cropland binding. At the same time, two groups of pasture lands (P) were found presenting 

medium farming quality limited by edaphic and climate factors, and low farming quality due to the 

topographical factor and low natural fertility. The fourth group corresponds to forest land (F) that shows 

severe edaphic and topographical limitations that make them inadequate for farming and livestock 

activities, but adequate for planting or reforesting timber species. Finally, protected land (X) that shows 

extreme limitations inhibiting farming and livestock and/or timber exploitation. 

Chart 5.2.3 

Land Use Capacity Categories 

Symbol 

Group 

ha 

Surface 

% 

A 2269.5 5,8 



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C 1390.4 3.6 

P 17,072.5 44.0 

F 3,087.8 10.1 

X 14,162.9 36.5 

Total 38,824.2 100.0 

According to the current land use classification of the International Geographical Union, the following 

categories were identified: rangeland, forest land, agricultural land, barren and/or unproductive land, and 

urban land and/or government and private land. 

Regarding soil metal content that reflect the area’s mineralization characteristics, CCME reference value 

accidence was found being Se accidence the most significant (exceeded reference value in 51 

percentage points), followed by As (exceeded reference value in 46.8% percentage points). In both 

cases, some sampling points exceeded the guidelines found within the area where the project’s facilities 

will be built. 

Methodology 

The following activities were performed to evaluate related impacts: 

Soil baseline study results review (Chapter 3) which includes a detailed description of local soils. 

Relief and topographical characteristic mapping evaluated by the baseline study. 

Type, current use, and potential use soil mapping. 

Review of construction and operation activities (Chapter 4). 

Affected area calculation, per soil type. 

Final Receptor Significance 

The classification of soil significance was based on its main characteristics and the uniqueness of the 

edaphic component at local and national level, subcomponent relative relevance, and type of soil present. 

Regarding soil characteristics, type and use potentials are well represented within the surroundings. In a 

national context, soils are also representative of the western Andes slope. 

Regarding the relative soil importance for the remainder of the environmental subcomponents at the Alto 

Chirimayo and Chailhuagon, soil role is considered significant due to the possibility of the existence of a 

varied bog and scrubland vegetation. Regarding the Alto Jadibamba basin, it is considered of high 

importance due to the fact that the project’s facilities will occupy a large portion of the basin’s headwaters. 

Regarding the Toromacho and Chugurmayo basins, the soil’s importance was considered low due to the 

small area that will be impacted at each one of them. The presence of pasture and protected land, both 

with soil, erosion, drainage, and cold weather limitations within the Conga Project’s area of direct 

influence was also considered in this evaluation. 

The soil subcomponent’s soil quality was evaluated considering the resource availability quality allowing 

economical activities. This quality was evaluated through the criminological condition prevalent in the 

area under study. The graminological association condition of the area of direct influence varies, from 

deficient to average for the referred cattle type. These results determined the soil subcomponent’s 

classification and the fairly low environmental quality due to the availability to sustain economically 

relevant cattle at the Alto Chirimayo and Chailhuagon basins; an average environmental quality at the 

Alto Jadibamba basin , and a low environmental quality at the Toromacho and Chugurmayo basins. 


Expected residual local soil impacts for construction activities are included next (Table 5.2.5). 



5-20

Soil loss due to topsoil removal and earthworks to enable corresponding direct occupation areas of the 

Perol and Chailhuagon pits, process facilities, tailings management facilities, water management 

facilities, borrow areas, internal roads, and ancillary facilities. 

Changes involving soil loss due to the infrastructure’s location during the construction stage show a 

negative impact on the Toromacho, Alto Jadibamba, Chugurmayo, Alto Chirimayo, and Chailhuagon 

basins. Regarding the magnitude and extension, the Alto Jadibamba’s basin is the one that shows the 

largest magnitude receiving a score of considerable, followed by the Alto Chirimayo’s basin where the 

magnitude was scored as moderate. The rest of the basins show an inferior magnitude to the effect. The 

extension was classified as small at the Alta Jadibamba and the Alto Chirimayo and the three remaining 

basins were classified as very small. 

As previously mentioned, construction activities that will have effects on the soil subcomponent are: 

topsoil removal and earthworks. These activities are required throughout the project’s facilities since they 

are the first land preparation step. It is important to clarify that a large portion of the removed soil due to 

the project’s development will be temporarily stored in topsoil stockpiles to have enough material 

available to support final remediation activities included in the Conceptual Closure Plan (Chapter 10). 

Total area and its largest use capacity, surface area per facility and basin that will be impacted during the 

construction stage are included in Table 5.2.11. As this Table shows, the Alto Jadibamba basin will show 

the largest ground occupation (1014.4 ha) of the total occupation for the Conga project (approximately 

2000 ha). Regarding facilities, the tailings storage facility located in the Jadibamba River and Toromacho 

basins will be the facility with the largest ground use (701.8 ha). 

Chart 5.2.4 

Areas to be Affected, per Facility, per Basin 

Basin 

Area to be affected 

(ha) 

Percentage of total affected 

soils (%) 

Toromacho 193.2 9.8 

Río Alto Jadibamba 1014.4 51.6 

Chugurmayo 15.8 0.8 

Alto Chirimayo 548.6 27.9 

Chailhuagon 195.2 9.9 

Total 1967.3 100.0 

Table 5.2.12 includes the total soil area that will be affected, per major use capacity group, class, and 

subclass. Expressed in percentage points, most of the affected ground corresponds to pasture land (P, 

71.3%), specifically low agriculture quality pasture land, limited by soil, and frigid weather, and protected 

land, limited by soil, erosion, and frigid weather (P3sc - Xsec, 28.8%). The other type of soil that will be 

affected in a significant percentage will be soil classified as protected land (X, 28.5%), specifically, land 

limited by soil, erosion, and frigid weather (Xsec, 16.1%). Finally, land capable of timber production will 

also be affected by the project facilities’ occupation. This group only includes an area of influence with a 

low agriculture timber production land subclass, limited by soil and erosion (F3se, 0.2%). Graph 5.2.1 

includes percentages for each major use subclass land that will be affected. 

It is worth mentioning that some activities will progressively generate soil loss during the project’s 

construction stage. However, the final footprint of each facility, per basin, has been considered to 

calculate affected soils since it is considered that facility land preparation activities will include pre-work 

that will affect the ground in general. 

Based on the aforementioned and due to the receptor significance for each final receptor, the impact has 

been classified as very low significance for the Toromacho and Chugurmayo basins and moderate 

significance for the Alto Jadibamba basin. 



5-21


Based on the criteria included in Section 5.2.3.5, this subcomponent’s DAI and IAI during the construction 

stage is included in Figure 5.2.2. 

5.2.4.3 Air Quality 


According to Chapter 3, and as part of the air quality study, 2 permanent monitoring stations and 7 

sampling stations were installed to measure this subcomponent’s baseline conditions. Monitoring points 

measured air quality at the future operations center and communities nearest to the project. 

Quarterly sampling activities performed between 2006 and 2008 did not show PM10 values exceeding 

applicable standards. Regarding particle metal contents, only traces or slightly higher values that exceed 

equipment detection limits were detected. Regarding gas content, carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen 

dioxide (NOx) all values were below corresponding standards. 

Methodology 

The following air evaluation activities were performed: 

Review of actual air quality baseline results (Chapter 3) (gasses and PM10) at the project’s surrounding 

areas. 

Review of area’s meteorological and topographical characteristics. 

Review of project’s description (Chapter 4) to describe construction and operation activities. 

Air quality dispersion modeling (PM10) in the project area and surrounding areas during the 

construction and operation stages (Appendix 5.1). This estimate was performed applying the CALPUFF 

model approved by the Ministry of Energy and Mining and recommended by the Unites States 

Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) due to its ability to show results closer to the reality within a 

model group of similar characteristics. 

It must be pointed out that the activity impact matrix performed group evaluations focused on receptor s. 


The final air receptor significance analysis includes buffering and relative importance factors while relative 

rarity and conservation objectives are not applicable for this receptor. Additionally, relative importance for 

this subcomponent has been classified as not very important since foreseen level changes that may be 

generated do not present a risk for the operation of remaining evaluated subcomponents. Hence, the 

final receptor significance has been classified as very low. 


It is expected that the construction and operation stages will generate air quality impacts. Particle matter 

and gas emissions generation control through the proper implementation of design criteria and mitigation 

measures as included in Chapter 6 of this EIA will allow the reduction of some potential impacts to a very 

low or low significance level. 

Two air quality impacts have been identified: one is the increment of particulate matter (PM10), and the 

other is an increment of combustion gas levels resulting from the use of vehicles, machinery and blasting 

activities. A gas dispersion model was not performed since significant impacts are not expected based 

on the baseline conditions and estimated emissions levels. 

Regarding greenhouse gases, Appendix 5.2 includes a gas emissions inventory. International guidelines 

were applied to perform the calculations included in the inventory. It must be pointed out that greenhouse 

gases calculated for the Conga project’s construction and operation stages do not represent an 

environmental affectation due to the low magnitude shown by the project’s activities. 



5-22

To evaluate particulate material impacts (dust or PM10) on air quality, a PM10 dispersion model was 

performed (Appendix 5.1). A CALPUFF model was used. This model applies numerical tools to simulate 

physical and chemical processes that affect the air when dispersing and reacting in the atmosphere. The 

model is based on meteorological and topographical information, model entry data, and emission 

sources. Applied model is designed to characterize particle movement and dispersion directly released 

into the atmosphere. 

Construction 

Main construction activities that will have an effect on air quality are: clearing activities, topsoil removal, 

earthworks, civil works, bog removal, material disposal, hauling and transportation of equipment to the 

project area, machinery, consumables, and staff and internal transportation (Table 5.2.5). 

Particulate Matter Concentration Variation 

Particulate matter concentration variation will mainly originate from blasting activities, earthworks, and 

ground preparation at most of the project’s facilities resulting from material hauling and vehicle traffic. 

Chart 5.2.5 includes a PM10 emissions inventory for the construction stage. However, it must be pointed 

out that calculations were performed taking into consideration more conservative scenarios, i.e., 

maximum emissions instances. 

Chart 5.2.5 

Particulate Matter Emissions Summary, Construction Stage 

Activity Emission (gm/s) 

Blasting 0.295 

Air erosion 0.093 

Earthworks 7.546 

Material loading and unloading 0.376 

Material hauling 2.205 

Vehicle traffic 0.187 

The modeling results show that a small contribution is expected at the center, SW-W, and W-NW areas. 

The project’s facilities are located at the center area while the SW-W and W-NW areas receive project 

contributions since they are located on the leeward side of the same. However, these contributions will 

not generate ECA exceedance issues. The model estimates PM10 contributions based on annual 

contributions in excess of 5 µg/ m 3 at the project’s surrounding areas only (Appendix 5.1). 

Maximum 24-hour PM10 contributions are estimated higher than 10 µg/ m 3 in the project’s surrounding 

areas as well. 

Likewise, it is estimated that air quality will not be affected at surrounding population centers. The 

Namococha community would receive maximum annual contributions of approximately 3.2 µg/ m 3 , while 

the Pencayoc community would receive maximum annual contributions of 1.3 µg/m3 in a 24-hour period. 

The remaining population centers would receive annual average contributions below 1.0 µg/ m 3 and 

4.3 µg/ m 3 during a 24-hour period. 

According to the dust emissions inventory, it is expected that the proper application of control and 

mitigation measures will not produce emissions that will significantly affect air quality at the surrounding 

communities. Particulate concentration variations during the construction stage represent a very low 

significance impact at the SW-W and W-NW areas while the center area is considered as low significance 

(Table 5.2.9). This is owed to the fact that the center area hosts all the of emission sources. The SW-W 

and W-NW do not include the presence of project facilities. 

Gas Concentration Variation 

Any gas concentration variation during this stage will be mainly due to emissions generated by internal 

combustion motor vehicles and/or equipment and, to a lesser extent, due to rock blasting activities. 



5-23

Almost every activity during the construction stage implies the use of vehicles or equipment that 

generates combustion gases. The operation of different size vehicles, such as pickup trucks, dump 

trucks, water trucks, concrete mixer trucks, and flatbed trucks is included in this analysis. Emissions of 

track tractors, front loaders, retro excavators, cranes, aggregate crusher, concrete plants, motor graders, 

and generators are also included. The effects’ magnitude for combustion gas emissions is estimated as 

minor due to the scarce foreseeable contributions and very local coverage. The final evaluation indicates 

that these contributions are classified as very low significance at the center, SW-W, and W-NW areas 

(Table 5.2.9). No impact is expected for the remaining areas. 

The use of ANFO as explosive for rock blasting activities generates CO and NOx. However, it releases 

marginal amounts versus the baseline results. Chart 5.2.6 includes a summary of emissions generated 

during the construction stage. 

Source 

Chart 5.2.6 

Gas emissions summary – Construction stage 

Emission 

CO NOx SOx 

Blasting 0.47 g/s 0.12 g/s - g/s 

Material hauling 0.36 g/s 0.61 g/s 0.02 g/s 

Vehicle traffic 0.04 g/s 0.07 g/s 0.002 g/s 

Industrial machinery 5.35 g/s 17.34 g/s 2.08 g/s 

Total 6.22 g/s 18.14 g/s 2.102 g/s 

Operation 

It is estimated that the activities that will generate major air quality changes during the operation stage will 

be pit and ore processing activities; i.e.: blasting, ore mining, mined material management, ore and waste 

rock hauling, waste rock storage, ore crushing, temporary stockpile of crushed material, milling, 

equipment, machinery, consumables, staff hauling and transportation to the project’s area, and internal 

transportation (Table 5.2.6). 

Particulate Matter Concentration Variation 

It is estimated that during the operation stage, mine activities (earthworks, material loading, unloading, 

and ore crushing) and staff, equipment, machinery, and consumable hauling and transportation activities 

will generate larger amounts of dust. Since maximum pit production takes place during different years, 

two critical scenarios were considered to develop the emissions inventory. The first scenario would take 

place when the Chailhuagon pit’s material mining activities reach their peak which would be during year 8 

of the project’s operation stage. The second stage would take place when the Perol pit’s material mining 

activities are at their peak which would take place during year 13 of the project’s operation stage. Charts 

5.2.7 and 5.2.8 include PM10 emissions inventory for both construction stage scenarios. However, it must 

be pointed out that the calculations were performed taking into account the most conservative scenarios, 

i.e., scenarios where emissions will reach their peak. 

Chart 5.2.7 

Particulate Matter Emissions Summary, Operation Stage – Year 8 

Area Emission (gm/s) 



5-24


Perol pit 2.438 

Chailhuagon pit 5.715 

Perol waste rock storage facility 0.1 

Chailhuagon waste rock storage facility 0.347 

Crushing circuit 2.188 

Concentrator plant 0.589 

Tailings storage facility 1.336 

Perol pit – crusher road 0.082 

Chailhuagon pit – crusher road 0.435 

Perol pit - Perol waste rock storage facility road 0.001 

Chailhuagon pit - Chailhuagon waste rock storage facility road 2.276 

Main access road 0.061 

Perol pit 



Chart 5.2.8 

Particulate Matter Emissions Summary, Operation Stage – Year 13 


Crushing circuit 



Perol pit – crusher road 

Chailhuagon pit – crusher road 

Perol pit - Perol waste rock storage facility road 

Chailhuagon pit - Chailhuagon waste rock storage facility road 





5-25 

6.001 

2.18 

0.359 

0.086 

2.324 

0.619 

1.336 

0.265 

0.117 

0.88 

0.003 

0.061 

The modeling results show a larger contribution from the wind’s predominant orientation. PM10 

concentrations will only exceed ECAs at the project’s surrounding areas where PM10 annual and 24-hour 

contributions higher 5 µg/m 3 are estimated. 

Likewise, it is estimated that air quality will not be significantly affected at surrounding population centers. 

San Nicolas de Chailhuagon would receive a maximum annual contribution of 3.5 µg/m 3 and 23.0 µg/m 3 

during a 24-hour period. The remaining population centers would receive marginal annual contributions 

below 1.5 µg/m 3 and maximum concentrations of 16.3 µg/m 3 during a 24-hour period. 

According to the particle emission inventory results it is estimated that the proper application of control 

and mitigation measures would not produce emissions that significantly affect air quality on sensitive 

receptors at the project’s surroundings. Similar to the construction stage, based on modeling results it is

estimated that the particle emissions impact at the N-NE, NE-E, E-SE, SE-S, SW-S, and NW-N areas will 

be negligible. Hence, it has been considered that there isn’t an impact for these receptors. Furthermore, 

according to the evaluation matrix, particle material emissions during the construction stage represent a 

very low significance impact at the SW-W and W-NW areas and low significance at the center area (Table 

5.2.10). 

Gas Concentration Variation 

Gas emissions are related to blasting and vehicle and machinery use activities during the operation 

stage. 

The use of ANFO as explosives for blasting activities generates CO and NOx gasses. However, marginal 

amounts are released compared to the baseline results resulting in low and very low significance impacts 

(Table 5.2.10). 

The magnitude of gas emission effects is estimated as minor due to the scarce foreseeable contributions 

which leads to an evaluation matrix impact classification of low significance for the center area and very 

low for the SW-W and W-NW areas (Table 5.2.10). These results show that internal combustion engine 

and pit blasting emissions do not pose an environmental issue. Charts 5.2.9 and 5.2.10 include a 

summary of emissions generated during the operation stage. 

Source 

Chart 5.2.9 

Gas Emission Summary 

Operation Stage – Year 8 

Emissions 

CO NOx SOx 

Blasting 16.27 gm/s 4.13 gm/s - gm/s 

Material hauling 0.15 gm/s 0.25 gm/s 0.01 gm/s 

Vehicle traffic 0.01 gm/s 0.02 gm/s 0.001 gm/s 

Heavy machinery 8.34 gm/s 27.03 gm/s 3.24 gm/s 

Total 24.77 gm/s 31.43 gm/s 3.251 gm/s 

Source 

Chart 5.2.10 

Gas Emission Summary 

Operation Stage – Year 13 

Emissions 

CO NOx SOx 

Blasting 14.55 gm/s 3.69 gm/s - gm/s 

Material hauling 0.08 gm/s 0.13 gm/s 0.004 gm/s 

Vehicle traffic 0.01 gm/s 0.02 gm/s 0.001 gm/s 

Heavy machinery 8.34 gm/s 27.03 gm/s 3.24 gm/s 


Total 22.98 gm/s 30.87 gm/s 3.245 gm/s 



5-26

This subcomponent’s DAI and IAI included in Figure 5.2.4 for the construction stage and Figure 5.2.5 for 

the operation stage are based on the criteria included in Section 5.2.3.5. 

5.2.4.4 Noise and Vibrations 


Regarding noise, day (07:01am-10:00pm) and night (10:01pm-07:00am) noise and vibration level 

measurements were performed at 8 monitoring stations at the area´s sensitive sectors during April, July, 

and October 2006, February, June, September, and December 2007, and November 2009 to check 

compliance of standards established by S.D. Nº 085-2003-PCM. 

During the day period, ECAs were exceeded at the residential area during two instances, June and 

September 2007, both at the Montura area (MCMO-1), showing a maximum value of 62.6 dB(A). The 50 

dB(A) ECA was exceeded at the residential area in 6 instances at the Quengorio, San Nicolas, Montura 

and Agua Blanca stations, showing a maximum value of (56.6 dB(A)) during monitoring activities 

performed at the Montura area on July, 2007. 

Regarding vibrations, acceleration levels were monitored at six points located at the Conga project’s 

future facilities surroundings: San Nicolas, Huayra Machay, Amaro, Agua Blanca, and Quengorio. 

Additionally, two velocity measurements were performed at the San Nicolas area. As reference, recorded 

values were benchmarked with ISO 2631 and reported acceleration levels were within comfortable value 

ranges (below 0.315 m/s2). 

Regarding velocity levels, values established by the Federal Transit Agency of the United States (FTA) 

values were applied and obtained results were below the human perception threshold. 

Methodology 

Applied methodology to determine noise and vibration impacts at the project’s surroundings included the 

following activities: 

Compilation of baseline study information (Chapter 3). This information includes a detailed description 

of noise and vibration levels at the project’s area and surroundings. 

Review of activities to be performed as part of the project’s construction and operation (Chapter 4). 

Noise and vibration level modeling for fixed and mobile sources using SoundPLAN v.6.4 (Appendix 5.3, 

Acoustic Impact Study, Acoustic Control, 2009). 

Additionally, the following methodologies have been considered for fixed and mobile noise and vibration 

source impact analysis purposes. 

Fixed Sources 

To project the project’s construction and operation future acoustic conditions, the variables from the 

environmental software SoundPLAN v6.4 were included. Main project noise sources were modeled. 

The sound propagation modeling methodology is based on ISO 9613 (“Attenuation of sound during 

Propagation Outdoors”) which applies diverging attenuation principles plus extra attenuation induced by 

obstacles and air. 

The SoundPLAN v.6.4 software incorporates every topographical physical variable and acoustic emission 

characteristics of the project’s main components allowing an estimation of sound radiation outdoors. 

Mobile Sources 

The calculation of sound emissions for truck and vehicle flow is based on the methodology recommended 

by the European Union, Guide du Bruit (GdB), France. Thus, when considering a truck in movement it is 

assumed that energy is distributed throughout its travel distance. For instance, when considering a truck 

(mobile source) at a 50 km/h speed, equivalent to 50 thousand meters per hour, Lw = 110 dB(A), emitted 



5-27

energy or static sound power must be distributed in 50 thousand meters per each travelled distance. For 

secondary roads or roads in poor condition, maximum speed will be approximately 50 km/h and maximum 

speed at express roads (freeways) will be 80 km/h. The estimation of 110 dB(A) for static sound power 

(Lw) was performed by Control Acustico based on truck and bus measurements during construction 

activities. Regarding light vehicles, estimated sound power level was estimated at 102 dB(A). 

Vibrations 

A mathematical model that estimates vibration at a given point was used to predict vibrations produced by 

blasting activities. A review of formulas from the available literature on the subject was performed and 

Devine’s formula was selected since its features have become the most popular within the mining 

industry. 

As previously mentioned, the noise and vibration impact analysis was developed by Control Acustico and 

it is included in Appendix 5.3. 


The final noise and vibration receptor classification did not include the application of rarity criteria nor 

domestic or international conservation objectives given the characteristics of the same. Furthermore, a 

good noise and vibration environmental quality reflected on the baseline study and absence of significant 

sound and vibration emissions at the project’s surrounding areas was considered. It is estimated that 

both components will have the ability to dampen the project’s effect. 

Noise and vibration level changes would not represent a determining impact factor on other 

environmental subcomponents. 

Considering the aforementioned, the final receptor was classified with very low significance for noise and 

vibrations. 


Residual impacts that may be generated by the project’s impact on noise levels and vibration generation 

during the construction and operation stages are described next. Likewise, impact final results are also 

included. 

Construction 

Activities that increase noise and vibration levels during the construction stage are basically related to the 

use of vehicle and machinery for facility construction purposes. 

Regarding the increase of noise levels, the effect is insignificant at the N-NE, S-SW, SW-W, and NW-N. 

Only the center, NE-E, E-SE, SE-S, and W-NW areas have been considered to have a negative effect. 

Noise emissions effect magnitude is estimated as moderate at the center area and low at NE-E, E-SE, 

SE-S, and W-NW areas. Mobile sources only include activities related to vehicle flow (light and industrial 

vehicles) while fixed sources include activities specific to the different project activities. Hence, the center 

area is classified as medium since it includes the entirety of the final receptor and very small NE-E, E-SE, 

SE-S, and W-NW areas. 

Appendix 5.3 includes modeled noise levels for the project’s construction stage at the operation’s and 

surroundings areas. Based on these results only the 60 dB(A) range is exceeded within the project’s 

footprint (DAI). Likewise, the DAI was defined with a 40 dB(A) isogram which does not exceed any of the 

modeled pit outside the project’s footprint. 

Regarding the increment of vibration levels, the effect character has been estimated as null in all areas 

except the center area where a negative effect has been considered. Modeled vibration levels for heavy 

machinery and vehicle flow respectively do not exceed 95 VdB and 72 VdB levels at any receptor nearby 



5-28

the roads. This reference values (95 VdB and 72 VdB) should not be exceeded according to the Federal 

Transit Administration of the United States’ recommendations. 

Hence, the noise level and vibration generation final impact was classified as low significance at the 

center zone. Final impact for the remaining evaluated areas (NE-E, E-SE, SE-S, and W-NW) noise levels 

were classified as low significance. This classification represents the activity’s low upsetting nature 

regarding noise and vibrations levels at the project’s area, including the system’s ability to dampen 

effects. 

Operation 

Specific noise and vibration sources during the project’s operation are included next: 

Noise and vibration levels resulting from blasting, ore mining, management, and hauling of material 

mined at pits, waste rock storage, primary crusher operation, ore processing and equipment, 

machinery, consumables, people hauling and transportation to the project’s area, and ancillary 

operations. 

Main activities that increase noise levels within the area are related to mining activities at the Perol and 

Chailhuagon pits and crushing and milling processes at the concentrator plant. Likewise, noise emissions 

at ancillary facilities are considered as part of noise fixed sources. In addition, vehicles of different sizes 

such as pickup trucks, hauling trucks, and buses are considered as mobile sources. 

Regarding a noise level increment, the effect is null at the N-NE, S-SW, SW-W, and NW-N areas and it is 

considered insignificant. A negative effect has only been considered for the NE-E, E-SE, SE-S, and W- 

NW center areas. 

In general, impacts on noise levels show similar magnitudes during the operation stage. The extension of 

expected impacts is considered small since it does not fully reach the evaluated final receptor at the 

center area. The impacts’ extension is considered small for the remaining areas. 

Noise level modeling results during the project’s operation stage are included in Appendix 5.3. According 

to the obtained results, noise level does not exceed the 60 dB(A) established by S.D. Nº 085-2003-PCM 

for the day shift. Additionally, the 50 dB(A) value would only be exceeded at one population center. 

However, restrictions will be implemented to interrupt activities during the night shift when receptor are at 

a distance below 300 linear meters to mitigate or avoid an affectation to the noise environmental quality. 

The Environmental Management Plan (Chapter 6) includes measures to be implemented to attenuate 

generated noise emissions. 

Similar to the construction stage, the effect that may result in an increment of vibration levels is 

considered null since it is considered insignificant except at the center area where the effect has been 

considered as negative. 

Regarding vibration levels, levels established by DIN 4150:1979 for historical monuments at any receptor. 

This standard establishes a value of 2.5 mm/s for blasting vibrations. Likewise, vibration levels from 

heavy machinery and vehicle flow will not exceed 95 VdB and 72 VdB. Based on the US FTA 

recommendations, this reference values (95 VdB and 72 VdB) must not be exceeded. 

Lastly, the final impact shows a noise and vibration level of low significance at the center zone. The final 

impact was classified as very low significance for noise level variations at the remaining areas. This 

classification represents the low upsetting nature of the activities’ noise and vibration levels within the 

project’s area and the system’s buffering ability. 




5-29

DAI and IAI for this subcomponent based on the criteria included in Section 5.2.3.5 is shown in Figure 

5.2.6 for the construction and operation stages. 

5.2.4.5 Surface Water Quantity 


Surface water flow within the project’s area is in function of precipitacion and groundwater discharges. 

Seasonal flows widely vary and are of larger magnitude during the wet season (October-April) than during 

the dry season (May-September). Although flows during the dry season are lower it can significantly 

increase due to rainfalls, especially during June and September when transition between the dry and wet 

seasons takes place. 

Baseflow related mainly to groundwater discharges has been defined as July and August’s average 

volume. During these two months precipitations do not have a significant influence on surface water flow. 

Table 5.2.13 included a dry season flow measured during August and September at each of the four 

basins that could be directly affected by the project’s development. Modeled minimum flows applying the 

method are described next. 

Baseflow impacts are due to the mine’s infrastructure occupation and corresponding reduction of filtration 

areas resulting from these facilities and/or due to water management activities in the basin for dam 

construction purposes. The Chugurmayo’s basin has not been included in the impact evaluation since 

the Perol pit’s influence is very low at this basin and causes insignificant impacts. 

The following is a summary of the baseline flows in the project area: 

In the Alto Jadibamba basin below the toe of the lower reservoir at MC-11, flows range from 14 to 1760 

L/s in the wet season and from 14-261 L/s in the dry season. Measured baseflows in the Alto 

Jadibamba ranged from approximately 4 to 28 L/s. 

In the Toromacho basin at MC-22, which is located on a tributary of quebrada Mamacocha, flows range 

from approximately

Review of hydrological and hydrogeological studies performed at involved project areas and basins 

(Fluor Perú, WMC-Schlumberger, Golder, Knight Piésold, among other). 

Review of surface water control and management report (Fluor, 2008). 

Preparation of a hydrological report (HFAM) to identify baseline flows at the project’s area. 

Preparation of hydrogeological model (MODFLOW) to evaluate a reduction of baseline flows resulting 

from the project’s development. 

The review of project components and characteristics allowed the identification of items that could 

positively or negatively interact with surface water bodies present in the area. Once project components 

that may affect flow amount are identifie, positive and negative impact variations for receptor bodies are 

defined. 

Subsequently, the potential impact magnitude was evaluated according to discharge or contribution 

(volume or mass) other than the natural water’s composition versus the receptor’s body mass or volume 

or new flow condition resulting from the project. 

The impact analyses included the development of three models to assess water quantity impacts that 

could result from Project development: a site-wide water balance model using GoldSim, a groundwater 

model using MODFLOW, and a surface water model using HFAM. The site-wide water balance model 

and the groundwater model are included as Appendices 4.14 and 3.12 and are summarized in Section 

5.2.4.7. The site-wide water balance is used for many purposes, including for use in maximizing the 

amount of process water that can be recycled so that plant make-up water is minimized and determining 

the necessary size of the reservoirs that can meet both Project and mitigation needs. The MODFLOW 

model, which will be discussed further in the groundwater impact section, is used to evaluate impacts to 

groundwater, including changes in groundwater discharge to surface water. The HFAM model is used to 

evaluate surface water impacts. 

Site Wide Water Balance 

A brief summary of the site wide water balance model flow sheet included as Figure 5.2.7 is presented 

below. 

The two pits supply ore to the concentrator plant, and waste rock to the waste rock storage facilities. 

Runoff and pit dewatering water be pumped to the Acid Water Collection Tank; while runoff from the 

Chailhuagon Pit is pumped to the Chailhuagon Sediment Pond. After settling, this pond then releases 

water to the Chailhuagon Reservoir; 

Runoff and seepage from the Perol waste rock storage facility, the LoM ore stockpile, and Perol bog 

stockpile will report to the Tailings Storage Facility. Seepage and runoff from the Chailhuagon Waste 

Rock Storage Facility will flow to the Chirimayo Sediment Pond. The runoff fom the crushing circuit will 

also be diverted to the Chirimayo Sediment Pond; 

The concentrator plant receives water from the supernant pond (TSF) and from the Upper reservoir; 

The Lower Water Reservoir accepts runoff from the surrounding basins as well as discharge from the 

non-contact water diversion canals and the water treatment plant. It is primarily used to provide 

mitigation flows in the Alto Jadibamba river basin between April and November (the dry season) of each 

year and to replace lost lake habitat functions; 

The Upper Water Reservoir accepts runoff from the basin above the Tailings Storage Facility with the 

exception of the concentrator plant sub-watershed. The Upper Water Reservoir will. This reservoir is 

the main source of fresh water to the process plant, of potable water for the project, and it will provide 

water to mitigate environmental and social impacts to the Toromach River basin; 

The Perol Reservoir will receive runoff from a portion of the Alto Chirimayo River basin. The reservoir 

will provide mitigation flows for environmental and social impacts in the Alto Chirimayo River basin and 

will also help replace the loss of lake and bog habitat functions; 

The Chailhuagon Reservoir will increase the capacity of the existing Chailhuagon Lake to provide 

mitigation flows to the Chailhuagon River. It accepts flows from the Chailhuagon Sedimentation Pond 



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and the non-contact water diversion canals in the Chailhuagon basin. In general, as is the case with the 

Perol reservoir, mitigation flows are assumed to be constant flows during the dry season. 

This expanded lake will improve the habitat for species in the area and increase opportunities for the 

creation and improvement bogs. 

The water balance tracks flow at four separate discharge points where water leaves the site. The four 

discharge points are described below: 

Alto Jadibamba Discharge Point – This discharge point is located beneath the Lower Reservoir at the 

confluence with Quebrada Lluspioc. Facilities upstream of this discharge point include the Upper and 

Lower Water Reservoirs, the Tailings Storage Facility, the Perol Waste Rock Storage Facility, Topsoil 

Stockpiles, and the Process Plant. Watersheds 4 and 5 also contribute to this discharge point; 

Toromacho Discharge Point – This discharge point is located on Quebrada Toromacho just above the 

confluence with Quebrada Mamacocha. It receives flows from Watersheds 1c, 1c*, 1*, 8 and from the 

Upper Water Reservoir (overflow and mitigation flows); 

Chirimayo Discharge Point – This discharge point is located at the bridge crossing Quebrada Chirimayo 

below the Perol Reservoir. Facilities upstream of this discharge point include those within Watersheds 

6, 9a, and 10, including the Chirimayo Sediment Pond, the Chailhuagon Waste Rock Storage Facility, 

and the Perol Reservoir; 

Chailhuagon Discharge Point – This discharge point is located on the east branch of Quebrada 

Chailhuagon directly below Chailhuagon Reservoir. The facilities upstream of this collection point are 

the Chailhuagon Pit, a Topsoil Stockpile, the Chailhuagon Reservoir and the Chailhuagon Sediment 

Pond; 

Model of Baseflow Reduction 

Two models were developed in support of the analyses of baseflow reduction. The first model was 

developed using HFAM, a program developed by Stanford University as described in Section 3.2.10. The 

results of the HFAM model were used to calculate the 7 day 2 year baseflows which were the baseflows 

best correlated to measured site flow data. The reduction in flows due to project development was then 

calculated using arial reduction. A second confirmatory model was developed to understand the 

reduction in baseflow (as defined strictly as groundwater recharge to surface water) as estimated by 

MODFLOW. A complete description of this model is included in Section 5.2.4.7 – Potential Groundwater 

Impacts. 

Environmental Receptor Significance 

The Alto Jadibamba, Alto Chirimayo, Toromacho, and Chailhuagon basins have been considered as main 

basins of direct influence due to the future construction and operation of the project’s facilities. 

Based on the evaluation applied factors a variable basin environmental significance is obtained for the 

project area’s basin as final receptor. This is mainly dependent on the relative fraction of the areas to be 

occupied per basin versus the basins. Other characteristics did not have a differential influence on the 

receptor rating since they share similar ratings. 

Hence, the receptor significance rating for surface water amount was considered moderate for the Alto 

Jadibamba River and Alto Chirimayo basins, low for the Chailhuagon basin, and very low for the 

Chugurmayo and Toromacho basins. 


Construction 

Earthworks during the construction stage, including the execution of deviation canals, at the Toromacho, 

Alto Jadibamba, Alto Chirimayo, and Chailhuagon will affect these basins’ natural drainage patterns. 

Additionally, the upper and lower reservoir development during the construction stage will reduce flows at 

the Alto Jadibamba. The Perol reservoir’s development will reduce flows in the Alto Chirimayo basin. 

The Chailhuagon lake expansion will also result in a flow reduction in the Chailhuagon basin. These flow 



5-32

eductions at each basin are due to the water collection and management activities at each basin’s 

specific reservoir. There are also impacts involving runoffs due to the reduction of precipitation infiltration 

where the mine facilities are located which will have an impact on flow courses during the dry season. 

Since shallow groundwater precipitation recharges are reduced, water course flows that depend of these 

recharges will decrease. 

If mitigation measures are not considered basin surface water flow impacts will be classified as negative 

and of moderate importance in the Alto Chirimayo and Alto Jadibamba basins and of very low importance 

at the Chailhuagon basin. Unmitigated impacts on this water flow in the Toromacho basin are considered 

negative but of very low importance due to the impacted area’s smaller size for this drainage and related 

very low flows. The impact on the Chugurmayo basin, even if unmitigated, is estimated as insignificant 

due to the Perol pit’s very small impacts on drainage. 

Although flow changes will take place during the wet season due to water storage activities (i.e., changes 

reflected in its hydrogram), flow alterations during the wet season are of low importance due to high flows 

during this season. Hence, the impact final analysis is focused on the dry season since there is no water 

course flow excedence during this period. 

Likewise, the project implies the removal of four lakes during the construction stage: Azul and Chica in 

the Alto Jadibamba basin, Perol in the Alto Chirimayo basin, and Mala in the Chailhuagon River basin. 

The mitigation associated with the removal of these lakes is the reservoir construction from a hydrological 

point of view (Figure 4.1.2). Impacts on flows during the dry season will also be effectively mitigated 

through reservoir management. This will allow the impact at every basin to have a low significance at the 

Chailhuagon basin and moderate at the Alto Jadibamba and Alto Chirimayo basins. 

Required flow estimation to achieve effective impact mitigations at the different basins is included in the 

following sections. 

Operation 

Potential impacts to surface water quantity during the operation stage will be similar to the projected 

amounts for the construction stage since impacts associated with shallow groundwater collection areas 

and reduction and recharge will continue during the operation stage. Additional impacts could result from 

dewatering activities at the Perol and Chailhuagon pits since these activities would result in a 

groundwater depression cone that reduces discharge to surface water. Figure 4.4.4 shows the water 

management diagram for the project. Next is presented a summary of the surface water management 

plan for the project. 

Water management at the Chailhuagon and Perol pits will include a well dewatering system that will 

control and collect water in drains and water will be pumped to the sediment ponds. Discharge flows from 

the Chailhuagon sediment pond will flow to the Chailhuagon reservoir from where they will be discharged 

to the river of the same name. Pumping rates from the Chailhuagon pit is estimated in

Mitigation Flow Approach and Modeling 

The project’s proposed mitigation strategy includes water use minimization and the construction of 

reservoirs to store water collected during the wet season to be discharged during the dry season and 

maintain baseline flows at this station. To minimize the use of fresh water the project will recycle tailings 

and other facilities’ water to the extent possible. 

The Project’s Description (Chapter 4) includes a total of four reservoirs to ensure social and 

environmental impact mitigation. This approach includes the use of the reservoir’s capacity to store 

surplus water during the wet season to be available for discharge during the dry season and offset 

reduced baseflows resulting from aforementioned impacts. Based on the weather and meteorology 

characterization (Section 3.2.3) and hydrology (Section 3.2.10) it has been determined that a discharge of 

stored water is required from June through October. Lower reservoir water will only be used to mitigate 

lake losses and as replacement base flow discharges during the dry season (June-October) at the Alto 

Jadibamba basin. The Perol and Chailhuagon reservoir water will also be allocated to mitigate potential 

impacts during the dry season. Discharge activities in the 3 basins have the purpose of reducing 

potential aquatic life impacts and maintain baseflows for agricultural purposes in the basins. The fourth 

project water reservoir will be dedicated to cover the project’s water needs and supply mitigation flow to 

the Toromacho basin. 

The HFAM model was applied to characterize existing flow at the location and it was calibrated with the 

data generated from monitoring activities. The model is also applied along with the area reduction 

analysis to estimate base flow impacts during the dry season due to precipitation infiltration changes that 

alter the basin’s recharge. The following sections discuss pre-mining calculated flows and estimated flow 

reductions during the dry season at the Alto Jadibamba, Chailhuagon, Alto Chirimayo, and Toromacho 

basins. The Chugurmayo basin is not discussed since the project’s impacts are insignificant. 

Required Mitigation Flows and Mitigating Flow Modeling Results 

The HFAM model and location data were applied to establish existing baseline flows at each drainage 

designated point. Results of this activity’s following points are discussed in Section 3.2.10: 

Alto Jadibamba basin: MC-11, MC-12 

Chailhuagon basin: MC-02, PCHA-1 

Alto Chirimayo basin: MC-08 

Toromacho basin: MC-22 

Baseflows during mining activities applying HFAM’s modeled daily flows at the project’s facilities during 

the operation stage were calculated to estimate the project’s impacts. Se utilizaron las mismas técnicas 

para los caudales bajos de pre-minado según se describe en el Anexo 5.4, Modelo de caudal bajo. Table 

5.2.13 includes a dry season baseflow benchmark measured during August-September during the premining 

stage. Dry seasonbase flows of 7 days – 2 years “7Q2” discussed in Section 3.2.10 were also 

included. 7Q2 flows were selected since they represent better the location’s conditions since these flows 

were better calibrated with flow data collected at the location (Table 5.2.13). As discussed next, an areal 

reduction was applied at each basin for modeled flows to develop the base flow reduction that will be 

required as mitigation flow during drainage activities. 

Alto Jadibamba Basin 

The upstream Jadibamba recharge area will be reduced in 10.1 km 2 due to the tailings storage facility and 

other mine facility construction activities. Table 5.2.13 includes the drainage area reduction amount at 

the Alto Jadibamba basin between the pre-mining and mining activities including pre-mining and mining 

flow changes. The results forecast that average daily discharges at MC-11, located upstream MC-12, will 

be reduced in approximately 46% (from 42.8 to 23.0 L/s) without mitigation. There is no flow reduction at 

MC-12 in the Lluspioc basin, since this basin will not be affected by the project’s development (Figure 

3.2.17). However, due to the construction of the main tailings damn and the lower reservoir dam, all dam 

upstream recharge will essentially be collected and managed by the project. The Lluspioc basin will not 



5-34

e affected by the project. Consequently, MC-12 baseflows will be the same as during the pre-mining 

stage. To calculate flow losses resulting from main dam and lower reservoir construction activities, MC- 

12’s (9.7 L/s) flow is subtracted from MC-11’s reduced flow (42.8 L/s). 

As aforementioned, it is assumed that 100% of the dry season’s base flow will be collected due to dam 

construction activities and a replacement flow of 33.1 L/s (42.8 L/s minus 9.7 L/s) will be required. 

Consequently, a flow of 33.1 L/s will be discharged from the lower reservoir during June-October (Table 

5.2.13) for mitigation purposes. This discharge will result in downstream users not being affected during 

the critical dry season. 

Rio Chailhuagon’s Basin 

The Chailhuagon basin’s recharge area on MC-02 will be reduced by 2.0 km 2 as the result of the 

Chailhuagon pit’s construction and other drainage facility activities (Figure 3.2.17). MC-02’s location 

includes the Callejon River flow measured at PCPH-1. In addition, the Chailhuagon lake expansion 

through the construction of a water dam downstream of the existing lake will also result in a reduction of 

the baseline flow at MC-02 since it will be collected at the reservoir. Table 5.2.13 includes the pre-mining 

and mining drainage area and MC-02’s daily discharges. The forecasted daily average change between 

the pre-mining and mining stages is estimated in a 14% reduction (19.4 L/s to 16.7 L/s) without mitigation. 

There is no flow reduction at PCPH-1 since this sub basin will not be affected by the project’s 

development. 

As previously mentioned, due to the Chailhuagon reservoir’s construction, all dam upstream recharge will 

be collected and managed by the project. The Callejon River will not be affected by the project and 

PCHA-1’s water course flow will remain the same as during the pre-mining stage (Figure 3.2.17). To 

calculate flow losses resulting from the Chailhuagon reservoir’s construction at MC-02 PCPH’s volume 

needs to be subtracted (i.e. 19.4 L/s minus 9.7 L/s) since this flow will not be reduced by the project. This 

essentially means that only 9.7 L/s will be lost upstream of MC-02. 

As mentioned, due to the reservoir dam’s construction a 100% intake of base flow is assumed for the dry 

season. This will require a flow replacement of 9.7 L/s during the dry season. Hence, a 9.7 L/s flow will 

be discharged from the Chailhuagon reservoir during June-October (Table 5.2.13). 

Alto Chirimayo’s Basin 

The Alto Chirimayo basin groundwater recharge area at MC-08 will be reduced by 5.5 km 2 (Table 5.2.13) 

due to the construction of a portion of the Chailhuagon pit and the entire Perol pit. This represents 

approximately 37% of the basin at MC-08. The daily flow system will also be modified due to the 

Chailhuagon waste rock storage facility and other mine facilities within the basin (Figure 3.2.17). The 

calculated water course flow reduction during the dry season at MC-08 has been forecasted as 7.3 L/s 

(19.8 minus 12.5 L/s) without mitigation. By applying this method, this will result in a forecasted flow 

reduction of 7.3 L/s. Hence, a 7.3 L/s flow will be discharged from the Perol reservoir during the June- 

October period for mitigation purposes (Table 5.2.13). 

Toromacho’s Basin 

The Toromacho basin drainage area upstream of MC-22 will be reduced by approximately 1.3 km 2 , 

approximately 62% of MC-22’s basin. The forecasted water course flow impact is a reduction from 1.5 

L/s to 0.6 L/s. To maintain MC-22’s baseline flow a replacement flow of approximately 1 L/s (0.9 L/s) will 

be required during the dry season. Hence, water stored at the upper reservoir will discharge a 1 L/s flow 

during June-October (Table 5.2.13). 

Impact and Mitigation Summary 

Although the HFAM results indicate that the project will reduce flows at the Jadibamba and Chailhuagons’ 

basins by approximately 46% and 14% respectively, the impact evaluation assumes that all flow will be 

reduced by 100% due to the installation of dams at these drainage areas. To calculate mitigation flows in 

the Alto Jadibamba and Chailhuagons rivers, MC-12 and PCHA-1’ flows were subtracted from these 



5-35

tributaries which will not be affected by the project’s development as explained in this section. 

Forecasted flow reductions at MC-22 and MC-08 of the Toromacho and Alto Chirimayo basins were also 

calculated (Table 5.2.13). 

Four reservoirs will be built to store water during the wet season to mitigate potential impacts resulting 

from the project’s development. Water will be available during the dry season to compensate the base 

flow volume reduction at the affected basins as described next: 

Water discharge from the lower reservoir towards the Alto Jadibamba basin. 

Water discharge from the upper reservoir towards the Toromacho basin. 

Water discharge from the Perol reservoir towards the Chirimayo basin. 

Water discharge from the Chailhuagon reservoir towards the Chailhuagon basin. 

Based on the forecasted impact results for the dry season flows it has been estimated that required 

operational mitigation flows required to compensate flows at each affected basin during June-October are 

as follows: 

33.1 L/s in the Jadibamba River basin 

1 L/s in the Toromacho basin 

7.3 L/s in the Alto Chirimayo basin 

9.7 L/s in the Chailhuagon basin 

The project water balance performed by GoldSim evaluates the reservoir’s capacity to meet these 

discharges. The results included in Appendix 4.14 confirm that there is enough stored volume even 

during prolonged dry seasons to consistently supply the required mitigation flows at the four drainage 

points. The model also shows that flows and water habitat for wildlife purposes can be met and additional 

potential water discharges provided to support the community’s development opportunities. 

Considering the impact mitigation’s effectiveness allowed by the reservoirs, it is considered that impacts 

are low or very low in all cases. Likewise, impacts are considered insignificant during the construction 

stage in the Chugurmayo basin. 

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the potential impact mitigation of items that represent specific 

manifestations of environmental subcomponents, such as infrastructure item characteristics that facilitate 

the use of natural resources like water canals or systems, consists of the restitution of affected flows or 

volumes through the use of stored water at reservoirs. Consequently, since the effectiveness of 

presented measures for these instances is associated with verifying contemplated mitigation through 

surface water subcomponents and that the monitoring of canal characteristics outside the area of 

influence may become a social requirement, the specific monitoring of these items may be included in the 

Social Environmental Participative Monitoring (PMPAS, in Spanish) or other specific follow-up efforts 

agreed with the authorities and the community. 

Area of Influence (Direct & Indirect) 

In the direct area of influence of the Project area there are 5 basins that could potentially be affected by 

project activities during construction and operations: 

Alto Jadibamba (TSF, Upper and Lower Water reservoirs, concentratorr plant, two topsoil stockpiles, the 

Perol WRSF, and borrow areas) 

Toromacho (TSF, Toromacho dam and borrow areas) 

Chirimayo, (Perol Reservoir, Perol pit, part of the Chailhuagon pit and the Chailhuagon WRSF, ore 

conveyor and stockpile, and borrow areas) 

Chailhuagón (Chailhuagon pit and reservoir, sediment control pond, a topsoil stockpile, and borrow 

areas), and 



5-36

Chugurmayo (small portion of the Perol pit). 

However, according to the impact analysis results no significant impact is estimated outside the project’s 

footprint. Hence, this footprint, including the effect of water management structures (for instance, 

deviation structures) and project items developed during the construction stage (i.e. borrow material 

deposits) becomes the DAI. The construction stage’s DAI is included in Figure 5.2.8 while the operation 

stage’s DAI is included in Figure 5.2.9. 

No impact beyond the DAI is estimated for both cases, including the viability of the mitigation measures. 

Consequently the IAI coincides with the DAI. 

5.2.4.6 Surface Water Quality 


The 5 evaluated hydrologic basins within the Conga project’s environment are tributaries of major water 

bodies that report to the Marañon River, one of the main courses of the Atlantic tributary. The following 

section describes surface water quality for each basin. 


The Alto Jadibamba basin’s surface water can be classified as water with high calcium-bicarbonate 

content and with a pH between 7.69 and 8.93 with minor variations identified during the wet and dry 

seasons. 

Total content of metals such as aluminum, barium, boron, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc recorded 

low values and met MINAM’s ECA Category 3. Other metals like antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, 

mercury, nickel, and selenium reported values below a detection level at all monitoring stations of this 

basin. 

Some of the waters sampled indicate that they are being influenced by animals and/or humans in the 

area as evidenced by the elevated concentrations of total and fecal coliforms. Coliform counts were 

highest in the irrigation canals and exceeded ECA standards on at least one occasion. 

Water quality parameters at the Alto Jadibamba’s basin were, for most cases, within acceptable ranges 

and they were uniform at most places. pH generated by drainage water from hydromorphic vegetation 

areas that drain from the basin’s headwater was the main exception. pH values fluctuated between 4.5 

and 5.2, electrical conductivity ranged between 38 and 63 us/cm and the AI’s total concentration was 0.72 

mg/L. 

Alto Chirimayo Basin 

This basin’s river and water quality is almost neutral to alkaline with a variable pH. The MC-08 monitoring 

station, located east the basin’s headwater (approximately 1.5 km) showed the highest pH range with a 

variation between 6.4 and 8.6. Surface water for the most part of the Alto Chirimayo ’s basin can be 

characterized as predominantly Ca-HCO3 water. 

Total metal concentrations such as aluminum, barium, boron, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc were 

very low. Other total and dissolved metal concentrations such as antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, 

chromium, cobalt, lead, mercury, nickel, and selenium reported concentrations below a detection level. In 

all these cases MINAM’s ECA Category 3 were amply met. 

Total coliform bacteria and fecal matter showed low values reporting in some cases values below a 

detection level. In some cases, the presence of these organisms were observed but in low quantities 

very likely due to the cattle activity within the area and the absence of sanitary services at several 

surrounding communities of the project. Dissolved oxygen values found showed very good aerobic 

conditions. 



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The exception to the previously defined water quality is in the basin’s upper portion where surface water 

associated with the Perol bog is acid and has a high dissolved Fe content. This is evidenced in the 

reported results for the MC-27, MC-28, and MC-24 monitoring stations which show a variable pH between 

3 and 6.4 with averages that range from 3.1 to 4.2. These pH levels are below the range established by 

the ECA, Category 3. The laboratory pH ranged from 3 to 7.2. Most of metal components are in general 

low, except Fe which exceeds the ECA, Category 3 for most samples. Section 3.3 includes additional 

information on the Perol bofedale. 

Chailhuagon Basin 

In general, the Chailhuagon basin’s water quality shows relatively low TDS concentrations in comparison 

with drainage concentrations. It is alkaline and can be characterized as Ca-HCO3 water except at station 

MC-07A that showed water with a predominant content of Ca-(HCO3-SO4). 

Total metal concentrations such as aluminum, barium, iron, manganese, and zinc were low. Other total 

and dissolved metals, such as antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, mercury, 

nickel, selenium, silver, and vanadium reported concentrations below a detection limit. MINAM’s ECA for 

the use assigned category were met. 

The presence of coliform bacteria and fecal matter was recorded probably due to the same reasons 

described for the other basins under study. However, recorded values for these parameters met 

MINAM’s ECAs. Dissolved oxygen recorded values showed good aerobic conditions. 

Toromacho Basin 

This basin’s surface water predominantly has a Ca-HCO3 content with relatively low TDS content 

(


Potential impacts to surface water quality could occur due to the dewatering of the pit(s), discharge from 

the TSF, increased sedimentation due to construction and operations, and potential alteration of water 

quality due to the development of the TSF, the WRSFs, the pits, the plant and other ancillary structures. 

Construction 

Specific impacts to water quality in the Project area could result from the following activities during 

construction: 

Increased sediment loading due to clearing activities, earth moving activities, topsoil removal, civil 

works, bog removal and material disposal for the construction of the following facilities: Perol and 

Chailhuagon pits. Perol and Chailhuagon WRSF, TSF, topsoil stockpiles, concentrator plant, water 

management facilities, borrow areas and ancillary facilities. 

Acidic water discharge being generated from the removal of the Perol bog and waste rock during 

construction. 

The concept of sediment and water control is to use best management practices (BMPs) to reduce the 

potential for impacts to the surface water bodies. The specific sediment management BMPs for the 

construction phase includes: 

Limit timing of major disturbances to natural vegetation to during the dry season as possible; 

Maximize the removal of topsoil and place topsoil in stockpiles protected from wind and surface water 

erosion; 

Minimize the extent of the disturbed areas within each basin at any one time; 

Rehabilitate disturbed areas as soon as possible following disturbances; 

Provide temporary sediment ponds during construction where required; 

Provide rock check dams and/or filter fabric fences within roadside ditches; and 

Inspect and maintain sediment and erosion control measures frequently. 

A surface water and sediment management plan has been developed to maintain acceptable water 

quality during construction and operations of the Conga Project (Appendix 4.2). A summary of this plan is 

discussed below. For the purposes of water management, two types of water have been identified: 

Contact Water 

Non-contact water 

Contact water can be further sub-divided into acidic contact water or non-acidic contact water. Acidic 

contact water is defined as any surface water (and groundwater as discussed in Section 4.4.7) that 

interacts with the Perol WRSF, Perol pit, Perol bog, the TSF, the ore/LoM stockpile, and topsoil stockpile 

facilities as required. Non-acidic contact water is defined as surface waters in contact with the 

Chailhuagon pit, waste rock storage facilities and other areas with non-acidic material. This division is 

based on the geochemical characterization discussed in Section 3.2.6. Non-contact water is defined as 

surface water that is diverted around the mine facilities (or groundwater that does not emerge into a mine 

facility). Any non-contact water that interacts with contact water is then defined as contact water. 

The general strategy for the surface water and sediment management plan presented in Appendix 4.2 is: 

To limit the quantity of contact water (limit the quantity of water requiring management, sedimentation or 

treatment) by intercepting surface water before it enters a mine facility or comingles with contact water 

To limit sediment generation at the source by implementing aggressive BMPs during construction and 

operations, and to actively reclaim the site at all stages of project activities using either temporary or 

concurrent reclamation 



5-39

To collect and manage contact water by canaling runoff and seepage from mine facilities to either a 

treatment system or to a facility that uses water. 

As shown in Section 4, the Project design includes sediment control during all stages of the project. 

Specifically, the surface water and sediment management plan (Appendix 4.2) includes non-contact water 

diversion canals to limit the amount of non-contact water entering facilities, including the Perol Bog/Pit, 

the Chailhuagón Pit, the Chailhuagón and Perol Waste Rock Storage Facilities, the Topsoil Stockpiles 

and the Tailings Storage Facility. In addition, collection canals and ditches are included to collect contact 

water from the Perol and Chailhuagón Pits, the Perol and Chailhuagón Waste Rock Storage Facilities, the 

Primary Crusher, the Mine Facilities Area, the Haul Roads, and the Ore Stockpile Area, and convey the 

contact water to either a sedimentation facility, a treatment plant, or to the reclaim pond for use as 

process water. 

In the area of the pits and Chailhuagon WRSF, two main sediment ponds will be constructed in the 

Chirimayo basin prior to the development of these facilities (Figure 5.2.7). In the Alto Jadibamba basin, 

the Lower Water Reservoir will be constructed prior to construction of any other facilities in this basin. 

This reservoir will serve as the main sediment control pond for the TSF. In the Chailhuagon basin a 

sediment pond will be constructed below the Chailhuagon pit so that sediment is controlled before it 

enters the enlarged Chailhuagon lake. 

The construction phase surface water and sediment management plan includes the proposed schedule 

and staging of development for all temporary and permanent facilities and the recommended mitigation 

measures and best management practices for construction. In general, construction of water 

management facilities is proposed during the dry season, where possible in advance of upstream 

construction activities. 

Para el caso de los derrames o fugas accidentales, que han sido identificados como riesgos en la Tabla 

5.2.5, se ha preparado un Plan de Respuesta a Emergencias y Contingencias que se incluye en la 

Sección 6.3. La capacitación inicial del personal se concentrará en la prevención de derrames; sin 

embargo, en caso de un derrame accidental se seguirán los métodos de control delineados en el referido 

plan. Este plan incluye medidas para la limpieza del derrame, y procedimientos de control y 

comunicaciones que se implementarán en caso de un derrame. 

Operation 

Impacts to water quality during operations could result from the following activities: 

Increased sediment loading due to mineral extraction activities, waste rock disposal, temporary crushed 

material disposal and tailings disposal in the following facilities: Perol and Chailhuagon pits, Perol and 

Chailhuagon WRSF, coarse ore stockpile and TSF. 

Acidic flows from the Perol pit and WRSF, and from the TSF, 

Flows from the different water use activities in several facilities (concentrator plant, operation of 

temporary systems, etc). 

 

The same measures to control sediment loading to surface water during construction will be implemented 

to control sediment loading during operations, though as the pits develop, these also serve as an effective 

control structure for any sediment generation upgradient of the pits. Spill control and prevention will 

follow the protocol outlined in Table 5.2.6. 

In addition to the BMPs that will be implemented during construction, the following BMPs are 

recommended during the development and operations of the Conga Project: 

Construct non-contact water diversions prior to stripping activities and construction of facilities down 

gradient of diversions; 



5-40

Construct roads to shed water quickly by maximizing cross slopes; 

Grade construction working areas and provide ditches, sumps, or temporary contact water collection 

facilities to provide positive drainage and collection of all runoff from construction impacted areas; 

The Chailhuagon pit and waste rock storage facility are not expected to be acid generating, as evaluated 

in Section 3.2.6, nor does any of the waste characterization conducted on this material indicate that this 

facility will be the source of metal loading to surface water. As such, impacts from the Chailhuagon pit 

and WRSF are likely to result from sediment loading. A sediment control system as described in 

Appendix 4.2 will be constructed to control sediment loading in the Chirimayo and Chailhuagon basins. 

The Perol pit and waste rock storage facility are expected to be acid generating. Runoff and seepage 

from the Perol WRSF will report directly to the TSF supernatant pond. Runoff and dewatering water from 

the Perol pit, the bog sumps and the low grade ore stockpile collection pond will be transferred to the acid 

water collection tank prior to being sent to the TSF. A model was developed combining the site wide 

water balance and representative water chemistry to predict water quality in the TSF during operations as 

described below. Acid conditions from the Perol waste rock storage facility and Perol pit will need to be 

mitigated with an acid water treatment plant which is included in the project design (Chapter 4). 

Operational TSF Water Quality Model 

The following section presents a summary of the model developed to assess potential impacts to water 

quality form the TSF during operations. The details of this model are provided in Appendix 5.5. Revised 

water quality estimates for the TSF supernatant pond are presented in this document, and are based on 

the median condition of the probabilistic site-wide water balance (SWWB) conducted by Golder (Appendix 

4.14), which defines the total volume of each source of flow reporting to the TSF reclaim pond during the 

wet and dry seasons of select mine years (Table 5.2.18). The nature of each source of flow is further 

described in Table 5.2.20. 

The SWWB was used to calculate mixing proportions, which reflect the relative volumetric proportion of 

each flow reporting to the TSF supernatant pond (Figura 4.4.4 and 5.2.7). Each facility/sub-watershed 

was then assigned a representative water quality using the results of geochemical characterization 

(Golder, 2006), previous water quality modeling efforts for site facilities (WMC, 2005) or site water quality 

monitoring (Tables 5.2.14 through 5.2.25). 

The TSF supernatant pond water quality assessment was then conducted by mathematically mixing the 

assigned water qualities in the proportions defined by the flow model, as outlined in Golder (2009). 

Mathematical mixing simulations were conducted using PHREEQC Version 2.13.2. Mixing simulations 

were conducted in a conservative manner, such that mineral precipitation and metal sorption were not 

permitted. Estimated concentrations therefore may be biased high for certain constituents. 

Water quality estimates were conducted for the wet and dry seasons of three years selected to represent 

three distinct periods during the mine life: 

Year 2: Representative of the initial year of mining during which only Perol ore will be processed; 

Year 9: Representative of mid-mine life, during which time tailings will comprise a mixture of Perol and 

Chailhuagon ore; and 

Year 15: Representative of the final year of full production, when Perol ore will be the only ore being 

processed. 

Flows and their relative proportions were determined in the SWWB (Version 4) for each of the above mine 

life years to provide the basis for tracking the expected reclaim pond water quality during the life of mine 

(Figure 5.2.7). The flows provided in Table 5.2.18 represent the sum of the median daily flows over the 

dry season (i.e. May to September) and wet season (i.e. October to April) seasons for each of the mine 

life years indicated above. A relative proportion for each flow was then determined relative to the total 

volume reporting to the supernatant pond during each season for the specified years. 



5-41

Tables 5.2.25 and 5.2.26 proved the results of the TSF water quality model. As can be seen from the 

results, if the TSF is managed to prevent the creation of acidic conditions, the water quality that would be 

discharged from the TSF meets all of the ECA Category 3 standards. If the TSF is allowed to become 

acidic, the discharge water quality would not meet ECA standards for pH, Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, SO4, and 

Zn without additional water treatment. The model was developed using the results of the humidity cell 

tests (Section 3.2.6). 

The waste characterization conducted for the tailings and waste rock indicate that only the Perol 

ore/waste is expected to generate acid. There is sufficient neutralizing potential in the Chailhuagon 

WRSF to neutralize the small amount of sulfides contained in this deposit. There is also neutralizing 

potential in this deposit to provide excess neutralization (at least in the short term) to keep the TSF from 

becoming acidic as long as there is sufficient Chailhuagon material compared to Perol material in the 

mixed tailing. The current mine plan is to mine both Chailhuagon and Perol ore and waste for the first 14 

years of mine life and then mill only Perol ore for the last four years of operations. As such, it is predicted 

that for at least the first 14 years of mine life the TSF will not be acidic. It will be necessary to add excess 

lime to the process in the last three years of mine life to keep the tailings storage facility from generating 

acidic leachate. At closure, a cover will be constructed in a timely manner to prevent oxidation and/or 

additional lime will be added to the tailing in order to maintain non-acidic conditions in the long term 

(Section 10). 

As described above, the current operating plan is to prevent acidic conditions in the TSF. However, in the 

unlikely event that the tailings do go acid, a water treatment plant has been designed for ARD (acid rock 

drainage) conditions expected in the Perol WRSF and pit (Appendix 4.7) and water from the TSF will be 

treated if it does not meet ECA Category 3 standards. Table 5.2.27 provides the results of the water 

quality after processing in the treatment plant. As can be seen from the Table 5.2.27, all of the 

constituents that exceeded ECA standards prior to treatment are below the standards post-treatment, 

with the exception of sulfate. The water management strategy will be to combine sulfate rich waters with 

sulfate-poor waters in order to comply with ECA standards as the water balance indicates there will be 

much more water with low sulfate concentrations. The treated water will be discharged to the lower 

reservoir which will mix with existing water and will either be discharging or stored in the Lower Water 

Reservoir prior to subsequent release to the environment. 

The water balance indicates that the volume of the Lower Water Reservoir will be at the maximum 

capacity of 1 Mm 3 during both the wet and the dry season. A mass balance calculation mixing the 

reservoir volume with the predicted water treatment volume predicts that in the event the TSF 

supernatant pond does become acidic, the water management strategy will need to be revised such that 

the discharge water from the TSF continues to meet ECA Category 3 standards. This can be 

accomplished by changing the discharge regimen from the TSF to a no discharge facility in the dry 

season, and only adding treated water to the lower reservoir primarily in the wet season. 

Finalmente, considerando el análisis de los impactos potenciales y las medidas de mitigación propuestas 

se estima que los impactos residuales, tanto en construcción como operación, pueden ser calificados 

como de significancia muy baja o baja, debido principalmente al efecto neto que el proyecto tendrá el 

proyecto sobre la calidad del agua superficial en las quebradas fuera de sus límites, descargando agua 

con calidad de acuerdo con la Categoría 3 de los ECA. 


As described by Section 5.2.3.5’s methodologies to be applied to define areas of influences, the water 

quality subcomponent shows the same DAI and IAI and water amounts for the construction or operation 

stages. This is mainly due to the fact that impacts with some degree of significance are expected to only 

be within the project’s boundaries, water management structures included. Hence, Figure 5.2.8 shows 

surface water quality’s DAI and IAI during the construction stage and Figure 5.2.9 shows the same for the 

operation stage. 



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5.2.4.7 Groundwater quantity 

Baseline Summary 

Groundwater quantity in the Project area is associated with precipitation driven infiltration and recharge. 

As discussed in Section 3.2.12, data is available from 96 wells. The data was used to develop an 

understanding of groundwater levels and directions of flow, as well as the permeability of the underlying 

geology and controls, both structural and due to alteration, that influence groundwater flow. A summary 

of the data is provided here, with more details included in Appendix 3.12. Throughout the TSF basin and 

Perol WRSF areas, thin deposits on the upland slopes consist of topsoil, colluvium and a residual soil 

(saprolite) that cover much of the volcanic bedrock. These are largely unsaturated but may retain 

precipitation and assist limited infiltration to the underlying bedrock (Golder, 2009b). The primary 

locations of groundwater bearing surficial deposits include relatively narrow strips of alluvium along the 

Jadibamba Basin valley bottom and the thick Qda. Mamacocha moraine that forms the surface of the 

ridge west of the Toromacho basin. The alluvium locally varies up to 10 m thick and is interpreted to 

receive groundwater discharging from the underlying bedrock as well as precipitation recharge. 

The Mamacocha basin moraine is largely comprised of massive, well graded, low permeability clayey silt 

to silty clay glacial till from 25 to 50 m thick along the moraine axis (Golder, 2009b). The surface of the 

moraine is weathered, allowing infiltration, but it is considered that the penetration of the infiltration to the 

underlying bedrock is limited by the low permeability of the material. Glacial tills were found to be 

comparatively uniform and massive in texture with little indication of more permeable granular lenses 

within them. The hydraulic conductivity is limited by the fine-grained matrix due to the well-graded (poorly 

sorted) nature of the deposits that include 10% to 20% clay size material. The estimated range of 

hydraulic conductivity is on the order of 5 x 10-7 cm/s to 5 x 10-8 cm/s. 

Saprolite soil developed on the volcanic bedrock is typically fine grained and bentonitic, but can be locally 

interbedded with coarse alluvial material incorporated in the valley bottoms as noted by the occurrence of 

seepage in some shallow test pits. The saprolite soils are considered to be less uniform in composition 

than the glacial tills and hydraulic conductivity could potentially vary much more widely from 5 x 10-5 cm/s 

to 5 x 10-8 cm/s (Golder, 2009b). 

Groundwater levels were generally shallow, measured at 1.8 m below ground surface, based on 

observations during drilling and pit test. Soils in test pits were predominantly noted as being wet in the 

bogs and the areas surrounding the bogs. 

The groundwater elevation data have been used to construct a groundwater elevation contour plan with 

inferred directions of groundwater flow as shown on the Figure 5.2.10 .Groundwater elevation contours 

generally conform with the surface topography of the Basin, with groundwater gradients declining from 

the upland ridges to the stream valleys. 

Methodology 

To evaluate the project’s potential groundwater impacts the following approach was applied: 

Baseline study review for hydrology and surface water within the project and surrounding areas 

(historical and updated results) based on Chapter 3. 

Evaluation of hydrogeology, relief mapping, and topographical characteristics evaluated in the baseline 

study (Chapter 3). 

Review of project description versus components and construction and operation activities (Chapter 4). 

Review of hydrological and hydrogeological studies performed at the project’s involved areas and 

basins (Fluor Perú, WMC-Schlumberger, Golder Associates, Knight Piésold, among other). 

Development of conceptual and numerical FEFLOW hydrogeological models for the tailings storage 

facility and Perol and Chailhuagon pit. 

Development of a hydrogeological model for the entire location (MODFLOW) to analyze the reduction of 

baseline flow resulting from the project’s development. 



5-43

Hydrogeological Models for Proposed Facilities 

There are five major proposed mine facilities that are considered as having the potential to significantly 

impact or influence groundwater. These are: (1) the two open pits (Perol and Chailhuagon), (2) the TSF, 

and (3) the two WRSF facilities (Perol and Chailhuagon). 

A fundamental step for any groundwater model is the development of a conceptual model of the 

hydrogeology. The hydrogeological conceptual models developed for proposed mine facilities and 

surrounding groundwater systems in modeling studies conducted in 2007 to 2010 are described in this 

section, together with summaries of their respective numerical groundwater models. In Appendix 3.12, 

the previous hydrogeological conceptual models are combined into a site wide conceptual model that 

forms the basis for the site wide groundwater model developed for this EIA. 

In the Rio Alto Jadibamba drainage basin the proposed Perol WRSF is directly upgradient of the TSF and 

these two facilities have been considered together in a single, basin-scale conceptual and numerical 

model (Golder, 2009a, 2009b, 2010) as summarized in the subsequent sections. The proposed Perol 

and Chailhuagon open pits will be developed in separate drainage basins, and each pit has been 

considered in separate numerical modeling studies (WMC, 2008a; 2008b; SWS, 2009a, 2009b). These 

sub-basin scale numerical models in the mineralized areas of the Alto Chirimayo and Chailhuagon 

drainages are discussed below. 

Groundwater Conceptual and Hydrogeological Model for the Tailings Storage Facility’s Basin 

Extensive field investigations in 2004, 2005 and 2008 form the basis of the hydrogeological conceptual 

model. In 2005 Golder installed the 19 GMW series monitoring wells, including nested wells at 

10 locations (Table 5.2.28). A total of 31 geotechnical boreholes were also drilled, including nested BH 

series piezometers at 12 locations (Table 5.2.29) installed in 2008. These comprise 66 total groundwater 

monitoring locations that establish both vertical and horizontal flow conditions and are used as calibration 

targets for the numerical model (Golder, 2009b). 

Groundwater Recharge and Discharge 

Groundwater flow in the Alto Jadibama river and Quengorio river/Toromacho ravine basins is 

conceptualized to be controlled by the steep basin topography. Groundwater recharge is by downward 

infiltration from precipitation (Golder, 2009b, 2010). Infiltrated recharge on the slopes of the uplands 

moves down slope in the subsurface toward the areas of groundwater discharge in the stream valleys 

(Figure 5.2.10). Discharge areas in the lower reaches of the Jadibamba river have been documented with 

upward vertical movement of groundwater. Groundwater basins closely mimic the surface water basins, 

so that recharge infiltrated over the Alto Jadibamba and Toromacho basins will eventually discharge 

within them. Because surficial deposits are of comparatively limited thickness and aerial extent, the 

majority of groundwater flow is expected to occur in the more weathered bedrock horizons within 10 m to 

100 m of the ground surface (Golder, 2010). 

An exception to this concept occurs on the eastern limit of the Alto Jadibamba watershed, in a localized 

area around the limestone inlier near MW-09. There is a potential for karstic conditions associated with 

the limestone inlier to promote (on a local basis) groundwater flow in an easterly direction, across the 

topographic divide, towards a discharge location outside of the model domain. 



5-44

Surface Water Base Flows 

The volume of groundwater recharge is conceptualized to be reflected in groundwater base flows, which 

are assumed equal to low stream flow measurements taken in the dry seasons. Table 5.2.30 shows the 

stream flow measurements in the Jadibamba and Mamacocha/ Quengorio watersheds that were used as 

baseflow calibration targets in the Golder (2009a, 2010) numerical model. At the two Alto Jadibamba 

stations (BF-RG-10 and BF-RG-13), the lowest stream flows measured in 2005 and 2006 range from 5.4 

to 24.3 liters per second (L/s), or 0.3 to 0.7 liters per second per square kilometer (L/s/km 2 ) of the 

respective basin areas. This is equivalent to net recharge by infiltration of about 11 to 22 millimeters per 

year (mm/yr) of precipitation; the infiltration rates correspond to 0.8% to 2.0% of annual precipitation 

(relative to 1,126 mm/yr observed annual precipitation at the Conga New meteorological station, Knight 

Piésold, 2008f). 

Table 5.2.30 shows that stream flow measurements made by WMC in 2006 and 2007 in the same areas 

are systematically greater. For the two Alto Jadibamba stations, measured dry season baseflows 

correspond to 0.4 to 1.2 L/s/km 2 , or about 1.1% to 3.2% of annual precipitation. These values of 

recharge, calculated as percentages of precipitation, are consistent with the lower end of the estimated 

range of 1% to 5% of annual precipitation over volcanic and intrusive bedrock described in site hydrologic 

investigation reports from 2004 onwards (Golder, 2009b; WMC, 2004c). 

Possibly Anomalous Baseflows on the Rio Quengorio 

At the Quengorio river/Mamacocha ravine, before it’s confluence with Toromacho ravine (BF-QM-07, 

Table 5.2.30), dry season flows recorded by Golder (2006c) were 0.16 and 0.83 L/s, respectively in 2005 

and 2006. Toromacho ravine was described by Golder (2006c) as nearly dry, and flows just upstream of 

it's confluence with Mamacocha ravine (BF-RQ-01, Table 5.2.30) were recorded as 0.03 and 0.08 L/s, 

respectively, in 2005 and 2006. These baseflows in the uppermost reaches of the Quengorio river 

(Mamacocha and Toromacho ravines) correspond to 0.01 to 0.08 L/s/km 2 of basin area, equivalent to 

very low values of ≤0.21% of precipitation recharge. 

Downstream, between stations BF-RQ-02 and BF-RQ-07, dry conditions were measured in both 2005 

and 2006 (Table 5.2.30). The Mamacocha ravine/Quengorío ravine is described as limestone terrain with 

"notable karstic features along several reaches" Golder (2010, p. 9). Disappearance of surface water in 

this area is attributed to be due to losing conditions "i.e., the groundwater is present, though following 

subterranean pathways in the limestone and therefore not reporting explicitly as base flow in the surface 

streams" Golder (2010, p. 9). Whether or not there are similar observable features to account for losing 

conditions upstream of stations BF-RQ-01 and BF-QM-07 has not been reported. The local geologic 

conditions are mapped as till overlying limestone bedrock (Golder, 2009b). 

The WMC flow measurements at nearly the same locations on the Toromacho and Mamacocha ravine 

(MC-21 and MC-22, Table 5.3.10) are somewhat greater, corresponding to as much as 0.34 L/s/km 2 , or 

0.94% of precipitation. In summary, there is a systematic trend in the dry season baseflow measurements 

for the upper reaches of the Mamacocha and Toromacho ravines to have lower apparent basin yields, at 

effective recharge rates of

impoundment. The model is summarized in detail in Table 5.2.31. Because the FEFLOW model results 

are used directly in the operation of the site wide regional groundwater (MODFLOW) model developed for 

this EIA (Appendix 3.12), it is described in detail here. The layout of the model is illustrated in Figure 

5.2.11. 

Baseline Model Calibration 

Calibration involved the adjustment of recharge rates and hydraulic conductivities within ranges to match 

groundwater elevations observed at 66 monitoring wells/piezometers and measured base flows in the 

major drainages in the Alto Jadibamba and Mamacocha ravine/Quengorio river watersheds (see also 

Table 5.2.30). Input recharge rates were locally varied based on geologic maps of bedrock and surficial 

geology, and were in the range of 3.5% to 9% of annual precipitation (40 to 100 mm/yr), except at the 

glacial moraine which received 146 mm/yr (13% of annual precipitation). The overall weighted average 

recharge to the model was 43.5 mm/yr or 3.9% of annual precipitation. 

Table 5.2.31 summarizes how the root mean square error (RMSE) in the model area (337 m) was 4.9%. 

For comparison, normalized RMSE values of 5% to 10% are often considered a “good” match in 

calibrating regional groundwater models (Golder, 2010). In general, the stream flows simulated in the 

model provide a reasonable match in the Alto Jadibamba river watershed stations (BF-RG-10, and BF- 

RG-13) and it’s tribuatries (BF-QU-04, BF-QP-09, BF-QL-12), where the simulated stream flows equal 

about 4% of precipitation. 

By contrast, along the simulated Quengorio river (Mamacocha and Toromacho ravines), the FEFLOW 

model is not well calibrated due to uncertainty in the conceptual model for stream flow conditions. The 

model simulates significant flows where no or very baseflows are observed (Table 5.2.31). As described 

above, low to zero surface water base flows could be due to either losing stream conditions, which are 

not conceptualized for the FEFLOW model, or possibly to very low effective recharge, perhaps due to 

local geologic conditions which were not incorporated in the model recharge calibration. Downstream, of 

the confluence of the Toromacho and Mamacocha ravines losing reaches are known to occur, but this 

area of the FEFLOW model is outside the TSF. Upstream, of the confluence, particularly on the 

Toromacho ravine at Stations BF-RQ-01/MC-22, the reasons for the low to zero flows in field 

measurements (Table 5.2.30) are uncertain. 

Conceptual and Numerical Models for the Open Pits in Mineralized Areas 

SWS developed numerical FEFLOW models for the Perol and Chailhuagon pit areas (SWS, 2009a, 

2009b) in order to make dewatering estimates. The primary results of the numerical modeling were 

calculated pit dewatering flows described in Appendix 10.2 and 10.3 respectively, for the Perol and 

Chailhuagon pits. SWS performed the field investigations that formed the basis of the hydrogeological 

conceptual models, including field campaigns in 2004 through 2006 and pumping tests at both pit areas 

were conducted in 2006. 

As shown on the hydrogeologic cross-section (see A-A’ on Figure 5.2.10), the subsurface geology in the 

areas of the Perol and Chailhuagon deposits differs from the TSF because of the predominance of 

intrusive rocks that extend to depth. For the purposes of preparing groundwater flow models in the future 

open pit areas, the hydrogeological conceptual models (WMC, 2008a, 2008b; SWS, 2009a, 2009b) for 

the ore bodies and open pit areas included a simple vertical structure of hydrogeological units as follows: 

Alluvium/overburden unit mainly occurring in quebradas and shallow bedrock lithologies outside valley 

bottoms, 

Upper bedrock unit and 

Lower bedrock unit. 

A different conceptual model for recharge in the mineralized areas is that it occurs by infiltration of 

precipitation mainly where there is permeable alluvium and sedimentary cover material in the valleys and 

bog areas. Projected dewatering rates vary by a factor of two depending upon whether or not the Perol 



5-46

fault is assumed to continue to act as a conduit-structure to depths greater than currently tested. By 

contrast, the Chailhuagon pit area has much lower projected ground water flows because significant 

water bearing fracture systems have not been encountered to date (WMC, 2008b, SWS, 2009a). 

The numerical models cover only the prospective pits and local surrounding areas and are calibrated to 

head values only, not stream flows. However, stream flow measurements in baseline studies in larger 

drainage areas provided estimates of recharge as a percentage of precipitation. These values were 

previously estimated to be as follows (WMC, 2004c): 

Shallow groundwater units 5 to 30% of precipitation 

Limestone 3 to 15% of precipitation 

Mudstone and siltstone

(iv) groundwater discharge from bedrock is reflected as baseflows in the major and minor drainages and 

little or no flow components are lost to deep, regional groundwater flow systems; 

(v) the TSF conceptual model of layered hydraulic conductivity decreasing with depth can be extended 

throughout the entire site, except perhaps to deeply faulted portions of the mineralized areas, and; 

(vi) absent any field test results for the permeabilities of the faulted and altered intrusive rocks at depths 

greater than about 200 m, the model of decreasing permeability with depth is presumed to apply in 

mineralized areas below about 150 m. 

Site Hydrogeological Data used for Model Calibration 

The conceptual model for occurrence and movement of groundwater was described above. Additional 

observations used to develop the site wide groundwater model are described here. 

Precipitation, Recharge and Base Flow 

For this study, the precipitation associated with the Conga "New" station of 1,126 mm/year (Knight 

Piésold, 2008f) is used as a single, global precipitation value. No adjustments to infiltration or recharge 

are made based on site geology. The use of a single precipitation value and assuming equally efficient 

recharge throughout the site is verified by the success of the groundwater model at replicating surface 

water base flow measurements at four of five locations on three major streams downstream of the 

proposed mine facilities. 

Examples of individual dry season base flow measurements for the two major streams leaving the TSF 

Basin (Alto Jadibamba and Quengorio river) are provided in Table 5.2.30. The base flow target values for 

the site wide model are shown in Table 5.2.32, which presents of a summary of the baseflows predicted 

based on modeling the surface water flow regime (Section 5.2.4.5). 

Analysis of Groundwater Elevations 

Graphic 5.2.2 illustrates that groundwater elevations are very strongly correlated with surface topography, 

such that depth to groundwater increases with increasing surface elevation, and few depth to 

groundwater measurements exceed 50 m. The large number of piezometers with discrete screened and 

sealed intervals available from the TSF Details of this analysis are presented in Appendix 3.12. 

The depth of 100 m is chosen because it is associated with significant changes in hydraulic properties 

(see the zone of active circulation above, and the hydraulic conductivity values below). It is noted that 

only sealed piezometer data are used in developing Graphic 5.2.2, as discussed in Appendix 3.12). 

A nearly linear correlation of surface elevation with groundwater elevation is a common observation at 

many mine site locations in mountainous terrain, and is attributable to the development of the water table 

in response to a balance between uniform surface recharge (i.e. from precipitation only) and uniform flux 

away from the surface. This is a significant observation in regions with generally low-permeability rock, 

and is considered to validate the use of a porous flow model to represent groundwater elevations over 

large areas of steep fractured bedrock terrain. 

Hydraulic Conductivities 

Table 5.2.35, based on extensive field testing in the TSF area, indicates mean hydraulic conductivity 

values on the order of 10-5 to 10-6 cm/s in the first hundred meters below ground surface, decreasing to 

10-7 cm/s below 100 m bgs. As described in Section 3.2.10 testing below depths of 100 m is available 

from response tests for 5 wells entirely sealed below 100 m, where the geometric mean was 2.4 x 10-7 

cm/s, ranging to mean values as low as 1.1 x 10-8 cm/s if two wells screening possibly weathered 

horizons were excluded. 

At greater depths igneous intrusive rocks are known or may be presumed to occur, where mean hydraulic 

conductivity values of 10-8 cm/s, and lower, are expected if the rocks are not highly fractured (e.g. Gale, 

1982). However, groundwater flow volumes in such rock are expected to relatively low. 



5-48

As also described in Section 3.2.10, the vertical hydraulic conductivity associated with the layered, 

bedded rock may be considerably lower, and some degree of vertical to horizontal anisotropy, such as 

1:10 or 1:3, can be assumed, as is often done in groundwater models. 

Code Selection and Numerical Model Set-up 

This section briefly describes the selection of the model code and the design of the numerical 

groundwater flow model. The computer code used for this study is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 

finite difference groundwater flow model code MODFLOW (McDonald and Harbaugh, 1988). MODFLOW 

is a standard practice public domain code designed to simulate groundwater flow in continuously 

saturated porous media. The version used is MODFLOW96 (Harbaugh and McDonald, 1996). Details of 

the model are described in Appendix 3.12 

Model Setup and Boundary Conditions 

Figure 5.2.10 illustrates the model grid and boundary conditions. The MODLOW active model domain is 

a 67.73 km 2 area. The two layers have a total thickness of from 330 to 930 m as shown on the crosssections 

adjacent to the map-figure (Figure 5.2.12). The top of Layer 1 is derived from the site Digital 

Elevation Model for surface topography. Next in order of decreasing elevation, the input potentiometric 

surface for Layer 1 is prepared as described in following paragraph, below. The base of Layer 1 (top of 

Layer 2) is set at a constant thickness of 150 m below the Layer 1 potentiometric surface. The base of 

Layer 2 is set at a constant thickness of 300 m below the top of Layer 2, except; in the mine pit areas 

where the base of Layer 2 is modified to follow the bottom contours of the two ultimate mine pits (plus 300 

m thickness), producing a bottom layer that wraps beneath the pits. 

The MODFLOW96 model with MODAC requires input potentiometric surfaces for a global calibration 

target. Groundwater elevations in model Layer 1 are associated with the upper trend line shown in 

Graphic 5.2.2, and groundwater elevations in underlying Layer 2 with the deeper trend line. In order to 

develop separate potentiometric surfaces for Layer 1 and Layer 2, an input potentiometric surface was 

developed by hand contouring and converted to a DEM. The input potentiometric surface for Layer 1 is 

illustrated by the green contour lines on Figure 5.2.13 in comparison with the calculated output 

potentiometric surface. To develop the input potentiometric surface for Layer 2, the linear regression 

equations on Graphic 5.2.2were inverted to calculate the Layer 2 DEM from the Layer 1 DEM. 

The model grid size was chosen to be appropriate with model calculations and input data as described in 

Appendix 3.12. The model boundary conditions define how the model area interacts with the physical 

area outside the model area. Perimeter boundaries for the model are specified constant head nodes at 

elevations according to the input potentiometric surfaces grids (green contour lines on Figure 5.2.13). 

The perimeter constant head nodes represent arbitrary edges to the model domain where water enters 

and exits to maintain the groundwater flow field dictated by the potentiometric surface. Such a procedure 

is generally only successful with automated, cell by cell hydraulic conductivity calibration. The perimeter 

constant head boundaries are established sufficiently far from the model stream features so as not to 

inappropriately influence the groundwater flow calculations near the stream canals. The exception is in 

the area of the Mamacocha ravine where the constant head nodes also represent the stream canal down 

to flow monitoring station BF-QM-07, but this is an area where quantitative calculations for flow results are 

not required. 

MODFLOW drain nodes are used to simulate the stream drainage system. Drain nodes (Figure 5.2.10) do 

not add any water to the system but extract water, if available due to elevated head, to maintain the 

potentiometric surface at a specified elevation, in this case, 1 m below the stream canal surface elevation 

of Layer 1. 

Fluxes at drain boundary nodes are dictated by the hydraulic conductivity of Layer 1. This is because the 

internal hydraulic conductivity term in the drain node, known as conductance, is set to a higher enough 

value so the Layer 1 hydraulic conductivity is the only limiting factor for groundwater flow. In predictive 

models, drain nodes are added to the calibrated model in the mine pit areas to simulate dewatering to the 



5-49

pit bench and floor elevations. As shown in Figure 5.2.12, drain nodes are grouped into model “reaches” 

Drain node fluxes are summed for each reach to calculate the base flows in each drainage basin. The 

configuration of reaches in Figure 5.2.10 is referred to as the Baseline, or pre-mining configuration. 

Recharge is also a boundary condition. Parallel models with low, intermediate, and high recharge rates 

were developed as described for the calibration process, below. 

Model Calibration to Existing Conditions 

The two-layer model was calibrated to steady-state using the optimization code MODAC (Guo and 

Zhang, 2000, 2004), which operates as described above to calculate hydraulic conductivities on a cell-bycell 

basis. The assumed vertical anisotropy (horizontal:vertical) is 3:1 in both layers. Vertical anisotropy 

is also a numerically calibrated parameter based on separate potentiometric surfaces input for Layers 1 

and 2. Parallel models were run using net recharge rates of about 1.5, 3 and 10 percent of the annual 

precipitation over the model area. The calibrated potentiometric surface for Layer 1 in the 3 percent 

recharge model is shown in Figure 5.2.13 (all subsequent figures use results from the 3 percent recharge 

model). Complete results for both Layers 1 and 2 in the low, intermediate, and high recharge models are 

presented in Appendix 3.12. 

The values and distributions within the calibrated hydraulic conductivity matrix are quantitatively assessed 

using GIS (Figure 5.2.14). The hydraulic conductivity matrix is converted to logarithms of the actual 

values, and the GIS histogram figures demonstrate that the ranges of calculated hydraulic conductivities 

are approximately log-normal in distribution. In Layer 1, calibrated hydraulic conductivity values range 

from about 5 x 10-8 cm/s to 2.1×10-4 cm/s, with the mean value equal to 1.8 x 10-6 cm/s. The range of 

Layer 1 calibrated mean hydraulic conductivity values also compare favorably with the data shown in 

Table 5.2.35. 

The color display in Figure 5.2.14 indicates the log-normal standard deviation intervals centered about the 

mean. In Layer 1, the image map shows that the hydraulic conductivities are locally the highest along the 

site drainages (blue colors). The drainages are likely where relatively weaker (i.e., more fractured) rocks 

are expected to occur. The lowest hydraulic conductivity values are located on ridges and mountain tops 

(orange colors). A very similar hydraulic conductivity distribution is developed for model Layer 2 and the 

vertical dispersion matrices (not shown). 

The overall model head calibration at all 135 head targets (including wells listed as “open holes”) in Layer 

1 is indicated by the scatter plot chart on Figure 5.2.13. As shown in the statistics summary on the figure, 

the root mean square error (RMSE) for the target wells is 18.4 m in the three percent recharge model 

(18.3 m in both the low and high recharge models). In all models, calculated RMSE’s divided by the 

range of observed head values (%RMSE) are 4.8% for Layer 1 and 13% to 18% for Layer 2. 

Figure 5.2.13 shows two cross-section views with model layers, the model potentiometric surface 

(following the land surface), and flow velocity vectors in representative model cells. The Layer 1 and 

Layer 2 flow vectors indicate upward gradients from Layer 2 to Layer 1 in the major drainages (Alto 

Jadibamba river on the upper cross-section, and both branches of the West Chailhuagon drainage on the 

lower cross section). 

The model also matches stream base flow targets (Table 5.2.32), and as shown in Graphic 5.2.3. Model 

baseflows are calculated by summing the drain node fluxes in the model “reaches” shown on Figure 

5.2.10. Flows in the various reaches in each of the models increase as both recharge and hydraulic 

conductivity increase, but it has been verified that their relative proportions remain nearly constant. At the 

model locations representing each surface water flow monitoring station, the one and half percent 

recharge model has simulated base flows in good agreement with the stream base flows associated with 

the 7Q20 probability, representing very baseflow conditions. The three percent recharge model closely 

matches the 50% probability base flows (7Q2), and the ten percent recharge model generally matches 

the highest (99%) probability base flows shown. 



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Graphic 5.2.3 shows RMSE calculations for flow residuals at all stations simultaneously, and the indicated 

RMSE divided by the average flow at all stations (%RMSE) ranges from ten to twenty percent. These 

statistics are considered good for surface water flows. Appendix 3.12details the calibrations statistics at 

each flow station. 

Because the surface water baseflows are expressed as a continuum of flows at varying probability and 

return period, the MODFLOW model calibrations are considered successful at representing a similar 

continuum of flows, from 5 percent probability to 99% probability of occurring in any one year. It has been 

verified that, for predicting changes in flows due to the project relative to pre-mining conditions, the model 

results are virtually the same for all of the surface water base flow regimes. 

Model Setup for Predictive Runs 

The model set-up for predictive runs is shown on Figure 5.2.15. Two sets of flow conditions are modeled 

with steady-state MODFLOW models using the layout: project Operations and Closure/Post-closure. 

Both time periods are encompassed by the term “After Construction”, as used in the FEFLOW model 

(Appendix 3.12). 

To be consistent with the FEFLOW modeling for the TSF and Perol WRSF, and also to provide a single 

conservative evaluation, the maximum build-out phase for each facility at end of operations/construction 

is modeled. The FEFLOW model results are translated to the MODFLOW model constant head nodes in 

the TSF basin by assigning the head values taken from the FEFLOW model for the same areas. 

Model output for summed flows at each of the reaches (Figure 5.2.15) is tabulated as shown in Table 

5.2.33 after conversion into units of L/s. Negative flux values signify flows leaving the model, and positive 

flux values indicate flows into the model. There are three columns in Table 5.2.33, one for each of the 

low, intermediate and high recharge models. Similar to the pre-mining baseflows (Graph 5.2.3), the flows 

in the various reaches in each of the models increase as both recharge and hydraulic conductivity 

increase; however relative flow proportions are similar if not identical in each of the models. The 

baseflows are further processed by assigning the flows to report to locations, as noted in the column 

“Description” in Table 5.2.33. 

Operational Conditions Steady-state Model Simulations 

The project Operations period consists of 19 years during which times the open pits will be advanced, the 

WRSF’s constructed, and the TSF constructed. This includes the open pits at maximum advancement 

(i.e., 3,450 masl in the Perol Pit, 3,606 masl in the Chailhuagon pit). Raw results from the MODFLOW 

model for all flow conditions are shown in Table 5.2.33. The potentiometric surface of the site wide 

Operational model is illustrated on Graphic 5.2.3. 

Referring to Figure 5.2.15 and Table 5.2.33, the base flow remaining at a downstream surface water 

station, for example MC-08 on the Alto Chirimayo, is the flow to Reach 50 which is reduced in three ways: 

1) reduction of drainage basin area (elimination of stream nodes) due to construction of project facilities 

(Perol Pit, Chailhuagon WRSF), 2) reduction in groundwater seepage to remaining stream nodes in the 

area of influence from pit dewatering, and 3) interception of surface water by dams created by the project 

(Perol Reservoir). The first two types of flow reductions are calculated in the model, and third type by 

accounting for the flow term to reservoirs (i.e., Reach 51, Figure 5.2.15 and “To Perol Reservoir” in Table 

5.2.33 is not further used). The presumed effect of a dam and reservoir is 100% interception of upstream 

base flow. 

Further processing of the raw MODFLOW base flow results in Table 5.2.33 produces the processed 

results shown in Table 5.2.34. These are more readily read as changes or impacts to flow, and are 

summarized and discussed below. 

Closure Conditions Steady-state Model Simulations 



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The potentiometric surface of the site wide Closure model is presented in the MODFLOW model report 

(Appendix 3.12). In the drainage basins without open pits, the simulated base flows at Closure are 

presently expected to be the same as for Operational because the facilities are simulated as unchanged, 

such as without reclamation covers. In the drainage basins with open pits, the Closure flows are 

expected to differ due to the Operational cones of depression in the water table surrounding the open pits 

with a transient period of recovery (from maximum drawdown) due to cessation of pit-dewatering and 

development of mine pit lakes as the water table recovers. These scenarios are described in the reports 

by Appendix 10.1 and 10.2. 

To simulate the open pits at closure, which will have lake levels at 3,775 masl in the Perol Pit, and 3,702 

masl in the Chailhuagon pit, the pit-dewatering drains are modified to simulate dewatering down to the 

lake elevation. Model output for summed flows at each of the reaches in Closure (Figure 5.2.15) is 

tabulated similarly as in Table 5.2.33, but the Closure model raw results are not shown here for brevity. 

Processed results are shown in Table 5.2.34, and discussed below. 


Due to the project’s future facility construction and operation the Alto Jadibamba, Alto Chirmayo, 

Chugurmayo, and Chailhuagon have been considered as the main basins of direct influence. 

Based on the applied factor evaluation (baseline quality/buffering capacity and relative importance), the 

basin environmental significance within the project’s area as environmental receptors is in general low 

duel to the fact the area’s geology does not allow the presence of significant hydrological resources within 

the area. Hence, groundwater has a limited relevance in terms of amount. 


Construction 

Earthworks during construction, including the completion of diversion canals, in Toromacho ravine, Alto 

Jadibamba river, Alto Chirimayo ravine, and Chailhuagón river will affect the natural drainage patterns in 

these basins, which will alter infiltration and groundwater recharge. Engineering aspects of water 

management, including liners and seepage collection systems also impact groundwater recharge since 

these controls are directed at the collection and management of water that would otherwise recharge 

groundwater. As discussed in the previous section, impacts to groundwater quantity at the project are 

reflected in decreased discharge of groundwater to surface water bodies. This impact is greatest during 

the dry season, since stream flows at that time are essentially only due to groundwater discharge. 

Operation 

Potential impacts to groundwater quantity will increase during operations in the Chailhuagon and Alto 

Chirimayo basins due to dewatering activities. While the projected overall dewatering rates for 

Chailhuagon and Perol are low, they do increase through the mine life due to increasing depths of the pits 

and the need to maintain safe working conditions through dewatering activities. The dewatering of the 

Perol and Chilhuagon pits will result in cones of groundwater depression which then reduces groundwater 

discharge to the surface water. 

Water management in the Chailhuagón and Perol pits will consist of a system of dewatering wells that will 

collect water in sumps and pump the water to a sediment pond. Discharge from the Chailhuagón 

sediment pond will flow into the Chailhuagón reservoir and eventually to the Chailhuagón River. Pumping 

from the Chailhuagon pit is estimated to be

wet season for discharge in the dry season to maintain the dry season baseflows. To minimize the use of 

fresh water, the Project will recirculate to the extent possible water from the TSF and other facilities. As 

discussed earlier, the primary impact to groundwater quality results in changes in dry season baseflows in 

streams that the groundwater discharges into. To mitigate these impacts, a total of four reservoirs have 

been included in the Project Description (Chapter 4) to assure that social and environmental impacts can 

be mitigated. The approach is to use the storage capacity of the reservoirs to collect excess water from 

the wet season so that it can be available for discharge during the dry season to replace the reduced 

baseflows, which result from the impacts described above. 

Based on the characterization of climate (Section 3.2.3) and hydrology (Section 3.2.10), it has been 

determined that stored water needs to be released starting in June and continuing through October. 

Water from the Lower Water Reservoir will solely be used for mitigation of the loss of the lakes and for 

discharge of replacement baseflows during the dry season (June through October) into the Jadibamba 

river. Water from the Perol and Chailhuagon reservoirs are also only for mitigation and will also discharge 

during the dry season. These releases in the 3 basins are to reduce potential impacts to both aquatic life 

and for maintenance of stream baseflows that are used to support agricultural in the basins. The fourth 

project reservoir is the Upper Water Reservoir which will be used both for project water needs, as well as 

to supply mitigation flows to the Toromacho drainage. 

While the HFAM model and aerial reduction of basins, as described in Section 5.2.3, was used to identify 

mitigation baseflows at the site, the groundwater modeling described in this section confirms that the 

selected mitigation flows are consistent with modeled impacts to groundwater discharges to the streams. 

Mitigation Modeling Results and Required Mitigation Flows 

The FEFLOW model head results are imported as boundary conditions for the MODFLOW model in the 

TSF, and the MODFLOW model is used for predicting changes in groundwater discharge to baseflows, 

using the procedures described earlier. Flows and changes to flows at the four major designated stream 

monitoring stations, and several related stations, are shown in Table 5.2.34. As noted in the discussion 

on Model Calibration, the percentage changes in stream base flows remain nearly constant, within one or 

two percent, for the low, intermediate and high recharge MODFLOW models. Thus the model predictions 

are considered reliable, within the limitations of groundwater modeling, because they are not sensitive to 

changes in the flow regimes, and therefore can be considered to represent a continuum of surface water 

flow regimes, precipitation conditions, and recharge amounts. 

Alto Chirimayo Basin at MC-08 - the changes at MC-08 are a calculated 34 percent reduction in base 

flow during Operations and a 29 percent reduction in Closure. 

Rio Alto Jadibamba Basin at BF-RG-13/MC-11 - the changes at BF-RG-13/MC-11 are calculated as 66 

to 68% reductions in flow during Operations and Closure; the presumed effect of the constructed dams 

and reservoirs is a 100% reduction in upstream base flow, because any flow may be intercepted, and 

this is assumed for the location of station BF-RG-11 at the toe of the downstream Lower Reservoir dam; 

flow on the Qda. Lluspioc at QB-QL-12 is unimpacted by the project, and a slight increase in flow (1%) 

is calculated by the model due to elevated heads in the region from the TSF; 

Chailhuagon at MC-04 - the changes at MC-04 are calculated 98% percent reduction in base flow 

during operations and at closure. The calculated flow reduction is 98% because 100% of upstream flow 

is assumed to be intercepted at the Chailhuagon dam, and two percent flow remains because a small 

portion of the original reach (two MODFLOW drain nodes) remains downstream of the dam (Figure 

5.2.15). 

Finally, at station MC-22 on the Toromacho ravine, the calculated flow reduction is 45 to 47 percent 

(depending on flow condition) during Operations and Closure. The flow remaining in the Toromacho 

basin is due to about 30 percent of the original basin remaining downstream of the Toromacho dam 

(Figure 5.2.15). 




5-53

While the MODFLOW model indicates a modeled baseflow reduction of 66% during operations, the 

construction of the main dam for the tailing facility and the dam for the lower water reservoir results in a 

reduction of essentially 100% of the groundwater discharges to stream baseflow. Therefore, as 

discussed in Section 5.2.4.5, 100% of the baseflows during the dry season are assumed to be captured, 

requiring a replacement flow during the dry season of 33.1 L/s. Therefore, for mitigation, water stored in 

the Lower Reservoir will be released at a rate of 33.1 L/s from June through October below the lower 

water reservoir (Table 5.2.13). The discharge will then allow no impact to be seen by the down gradient 

users during the dry season. 

Chailhuagon Basin 

The Modflow results indicate that 98-100% of the baseflows above the Chailhuagon Reservoir will be 

captured in the reservoir. Due to the construction of the Chailhuagon Reservoir, essentially all recharge 

in the basin above the dams will be collected and managed by the project. Therefore, as discussed in 

Section 5.2.4.5, 100% of the baseflows during the dry season are assumed to be captured, requiring a 

replacement flow during the dry season of 9.7 L/s. Therefore, for mitigation, water stored in the 

Chailhuagon Reservoir will be released at a rate of 9.7 L/s from June through October (Table 5.2.13). 


The Modflow results indicate a reduction in flows at MC-08 of 34% during operations and 29% at closure. 

This is in comparison to the 37% reduction predicted by the HFAM model and aerial reduction in Section 

5.2.4.5. The recharge area of the río Alto Chirimayo basin above MC-08 will be reduced by 5.5 ha (see 

Table 5.2.13) as a result of the construction of a portion of the Chailhuagón pit and all of the Perol pit. 

The daily flow regime also will be changed as a result of the Chailhuagón waste rock storage facility and 

other mine facilities within the basin. The approximate reduction (37 percent) occurs at MC-08 (río Alto 

Chirimayo (19.8 to 12.5 L/s) without mitigation. This results in a flow reduction of 7.3 L/s. This is in 

comparison to a predicted baseflow reduction using MODFLOW of 6.7 L/s, which is in good agreement 

with the mitigation shown in Table 5.2.13 and predicted using aerial reduction. 

Toromacho Basin 

The MODFLOW model predicts a 45 to 47% reduction in baseflows at the MC-22 location in the Cuenca 

Toromacho. This is slightly less than the 62% reduction predicted by the HFAM model using aerial 

reduction. However, due to the very limited flows at this location (Table 5.2.13) the difference between 

predicted flow impacts between the two models is negligible, and as discussed in Section 3.2.4.5, the 

required mitigation flow for the Toromacho is approximately 1 L/s. Therefore, for mitigation, water stored 

in the Upper Reservoir will be released at a rate of 1 L/s from June through October. 

Considering the potential impact analysis and proposed mitigation measures, it is estimated that the 

construction and operation residual impacts can be classified as very low or low significance mainly due 

to the effective mitigation of the main impact associated with groundwater quantity which is undoubtedly 

its contribution to the ravine’s base flow during the dry season. 

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the potential impact mitigation of items that represent specific 

subcomponent manifestations, such as spring hydrogeological resources, consists of the flow restitutions 

through water stored at the reservoirs. Therefore, since the effectiveness of the proposed measures for 

these cases is associated with the verification of the provided mitigation through this groundwater 

subcomponent and that the monitoring of spring characteristics in the area of influence may become a 

social requirement, the specific monitoring of these items may be included in the Social Environmental 

Participative Monitoring (PMPAS, in Spanish) or other specific follow-up efforts agreed with the authorities 

and the community. 


Just as Section 5.2.3.5’s description of methodologies to be applied to define areas of influence, the 

relation between the surface and groundwater component and the proposed management measures 

allows a definition of equal direct and indirect areas within the project’s boundaries. 



5-54

Along these lines, Figure 5.2.8 shows the DAI and IAI for this component during the construction stage 

and Figure 5.2.9 shows the DAI and IAI during the operation stage. 

5.2.4.8 Groundwater Quality 


The baseline study’s groundwater quality characterization is described in more detail in Section 3.2.13 for 

the main basins involved: Alto Chirimayo basin, Chailhuagon basin, Toromacho basin, and Alto 

Jadibamba basin. A work plan that includes current environmental conditions, previous studies, domestic 

regulation requirements, and the area’s geography and geology was developed. The results obtained 

during the last 7 years (2003-2009) were collected as historical data which were generated applying 

several procedures and methodologies. A brief summary of results per basin is included herein. 

A total of seven groundwater wells were sampled as part of the baseline evaluation in the Alto Jadibamba 

basin, with the quality in the wells characterized as circum-neutral to alkaline with pH ranging from 6.3 to 

8.2. Alkalinity ranged from a low of 85.3 mg/L at GMW-13 on the central-west border of the basin to a 

high of 238 to 285 mg/L at MW-04 in the upper reaches of the southeast portion of the basin. Sulfate 

concentrations ranged from 7.5 mg/L at GMW-01B, the furthest down gradient well and furthest well from 

the mineralized orebody in the basin, to 1,708 mg/L at GMW-16, the southwestern, most up gradient well 

in the basin. However, it appears that the elevated total dissolved solids ranged from lows of 127 mg/L at 

GMW-13 and 132 mg/L at GMW-01B to 4,131 mg/L at GMW-16. Most metal concentrations were 

generally low, with exceedances of ECA standards of Al, Fe, Pb, and Mn at all locations in the basin for 

many of the sampling events. Arsenic exceeded ECA standards at MW-4, GMW-14 and -16. Coliform 

analytical results were also generally low; however, exceedances of the ECA standards were reported at 

several locations in the drainage. DO, BOD and COD usually did not meet ECA standards in any of the 

wells sampled. 

Fourteen groundwater wells were sampled as part of the baseline evaluation in the Alto Chirimayo basin. 

Groundwater quality in the Chirimayo basin can be characterized as circum-neutral to alkaline with pH 

ranging from 7.0 to 8.5. Alkalinity ranged from a low of less than 1 to 2 mg/L at PHA-2 within the area of 

the proposed open pit to a high of 640 mg/L measured in CHEX-3, the lowest well location of the basin. 

Sulfate concentrations were consistently low, ranging from 2 to 18.5 mg/L, at 4 of the 5 well locations, 

with slightly elevated concentrations reported at MW-02A (32.3 to 129 mg/L). Total dissolved solids 

ranged from lows of 11 to 17 mg/L at PHA-2 to 258 to 687 mg/L at CHEX-3. Most metals concentrations 

were generally low, however Al, As, Fe, Pb, and Mn exceeded ECA standards at most locations for many 

of the sampling events. Coliform analytical results were also generally low; however, exceedances of the 

ECA standards were reported at several locations. 

Two groundwater wells were sampled as part of the baseline evaluation in the Alto Chailhuagon basin, 

with groundwater characterized as circum-neutral to alkaline with pH ranging from 7.5 to 7.7. Most metals 

concentrations were generally low, with exceedances of ECA standards of Al, As, Fe, Hg, Pb, Mn in all 

samples on at least one occasion. Coliform analytical results, as well as BOD and COD measurements, 

also exceeded ECA standards in the basin. DO measurements did not meet ECA standard in all samples 

collected. 

Two groundwater wells were sampled as part of the baseline evaluation in the Alto Toromacho basin. 

Groundwater quality in the Toromacho basin can be characterized as circum-neutral to alkaline with pH 

ranging from 6.85 to 8.19. Bicarbonate alkalinity ranged from 140 to 152 mg/L at MW-06 to 173 to 205.2 

mg/L measured at MMEX-2, which is located further down gradient in Mamacocha ravine. Sulfate 

concentrations were consistently low, ranging from 11.45 to 21 mg/L. Total dissolved solids ranged from 

104 to 320 mg/L. Most metals concentrations were generally low, however Al, As, Fe, Pb, and Mn 

exceeded ECA standards at most locations for many of the sampling events. Coliform analytical results 

were also generally low; however, exceedances of the fecal coliform ECA standard were measured at the 

location where they were reported, MMEX-2. 



5-55

Methodology 

The following approach was applied to evaluate the Conga project’s groundwater quality potential 

impacts: 

Review of hydrogeology and surface water baseline study’s results within their project and surrounding 

areas. (historical and updated results), based on Chapter 3. 

Hydrogeology and relief mapping evaluations and topographical characteristics evaluated in the 

baseline study (Chapter 3). 

Project description review related to construction and operation components and activities (Chapter 4). 

Review of hydrological and hydrogeological studies performed at the project’s involved areas and 

basins (Fluor Perú, WMC-Schlumberger, Golder Associates, Knight Piésold, among other). 

FEFLOW hydrogeological model development for the tailings’ basin and Chailhuagon pits. 

Development of a hydrogeological model (MODFLOW) for the entire location to evaluate baseline flow 

reductions resulting from the project’s development. 

The development of both FEFLOW and MODFLOW models used to evaluate potential impacts to 

groundwater quality have already been summarized in Section 5.2.4.7 and are included as Appendix 3.12 

and Appendix 5.6. These models were also used for evaluation of potential impacts to groundwater 

quality, specifically focusing on the potential for seepage of mine-influenced water to groundwater. 

The FEFLOW model was used to evaluate mitigation controls for identified potential seepage pathways 

from the TSF basin. The engineering design includes controls for collecting seepage frome the footprints 

of the dams which span the valley bottoms. The project design discussed in Chapter 4 includes seepage 

collection systems to capture discharges that bypass the dams. The current modeling evaluated if the 

project design was effective at controlling seepage of mine-influenced water to the groundwater. 

Modeling was also completed to assess if additional engineering controls for other potential seepage 

pathways could be used and if they are effective for containment of any potential seepage that bypasses 

the engineering controls incorporated into the project. The FEFLOW model is designed with a high level 

of discretization to simulate detailed design features and possible engineering controls. The model is 

therefore relied upon as the primary means for predicting the possible transport of process solutions and 

other mining-impacted waters the areas of the TSF basin and Perol WRSF. 


Due to the project’s future facility construction and operation, the Alto Jadibamba, Alto Chirimayo, 

Chugurmayo, Toromacho, and Chailhuagon basins have been considered as final receptors. 

Based on the evaluation of applied factors (baseline quality/buffering capacity and relative importance), a 

moderate environmental final receptors significance is given for the project area’s five basins. This is 

mainly due to the basins’ buffering capacity which is defined based on the reported groundwater quality 

for each basin. It must be pointed out that the remaining factors (relative uniqueness and conservation 

objectives) do not apply to this subcomponent. 


Construction 

Potential impacts to groundwater quality during construction include decreased water quality due to 

seepage/infiltration from the Perol WRSF and bog and the TSF into the groundwater system. 

Engineering controls, including seepage collection systems for both the Perol WRSF and the TSF are 

described in Chapter 4. These systems have been included in the project design to provide mitigation of 

potential impacts to groundwater from seepage with low pH and poor water quality. Potential impacts 

resulting from seepage from the Chailhuagon WRSF and pit are not envisioned based on the 

geochemical testing described in Section 3.2.6. 



5-56

In general, potential groundwater quality impacts during the facility construction stage are quite limited. 

Hence, the analysis focused on the operational stage since the potential of generating negative impacts is 

higher due to a higher amount of sulfurous rocks exposed to atmospheric oxygen which fosters the 

oxidation of the same and resulting acidity. 

It is worth mentioning that developed models were completed considering the most conservative case 

which is when the project is completely built and the occurrence of the most significant impacts is 

expected. 

Operation 

Potential groundwater impacts during the operation stage are similar to the ones estimated for the 

construction stage, i.e., seepage/infiltrations from the Perol waste rock storage facility or from the tailings 

storage facility during this stage are considered. The impact of groundwater quality resulting from 

discharges from the Perol pit lake is considered an additional potential impact. However, this issue is 

only likely once the operations have ended, i.e., during the post-closure stage when the lake starts 

forming. Consequently, this impact is discussed along with the proposed management in the Conceptual 

Closure Plan (Chapter 10). 

As in the construction stage, no potential impact associated with the Chailhuagon pit and waste rock 

storage facility is foreseen according to the geochemical tests described in Section 3.2.6. 

Mitigation and Modeling Results Approach 

As described in Chapter 4, the project has engineered mitigation strategies for protection of groundwater 

into the facility designs, particularly for the TSF and the Perol waste rock storage facility. These include 

grout curtains in dams, seepage collection systems and drains, and liners at key locations. As discussed 

in Chapter 10, additional mitigation measures are planned for management of the Perol pit lake at closure 

as well. These facilities have the greatest potential to impact groundwater as they are associated with 

PAG material, which is discussed in Section 3.2.6. The MODFLOW and FEFLOW models that are 

summarized in Section 5.2.4.7 amd Appendix 3.12 were used to assess the effectiveness of the 

engineered controls as well as to identify potential seepage pathways for these facilities that may need 

additional engineering controls. 

The FEFLOW model was converted to a post-construction model as shown in Figure 5.2.21. The postconstruction 

model simultaneously represents maximum build out of the project during operations and 

also post-project closure conditions. The results of the FEFLOW model are illustrated in Figure 5.2.17 

and the major conclusions of the modeling are as follows: 

The groundwater flow contours (Figure 5.2.17) indicate that potential seepage pathways are primarily 

south to north within the tailings basin, directed to the TSF pond upstream of the Main Dam which cross 

the Alto Jadibamba, or to the Toromacho dam (location of the TSF pond in earlier phases of the 

project); 

The predominant flow pathway from the Perol WRSF is to the west, discharging from the seepage 

collection system to the tailings where it joins the tailings basin flow paths described above; 

In the Perol WRSF, local hydraulic head contours direct groundwater flow toward the northeast corner 

where a retention pond would be located in a low lying area (Figure 5.2.17); this is part of the modeled 

seepage collection system underlying the WRSF that also connects to the drainage system beneath the 

tailings. The model predicts that additional seepage control in this area may be necessary to prevent 

uncontrolled seepage to the east. The model includes a conceptual design that indicates seepage 

control is attainable. During final design, the engineering design will be completed such that no 

uncontrolled seepage would occur in this area. 

Seepage from the tailings in the area of the Main Dam is contained within the seepage collection 

system between the Main Dam and the Lower Reservoir with estimated flows as indicated in Table 

5.2.31; 



5-57

Seepage from the tailings in the area of the Toromacho Dam is contained using engineering controls 

including the dam with associated grout curtain and a seepage collection system downstream and 

either active (e.g., pumping wells) or passive (e.g., drains) groundwater collection systems installed to 

bedrock. The model shows that the engineering controls designed to prevent seepage from the tailings 

occurring beyond the immediate toe area of the Toromacho Dam which could ultimately report as an 

uncontrolled discharge to groundwater are adequate. 

Mitigation Modeling Results and Assessment of Containment and Isolation of Project-related Waters 

Transport modeling using particle tracking was evaluated to assess potential adverse impacts to 

groundwater resources from mining process solutions and other mining-related waters. The analysis 

uses groundwater modeling and therefore applies to subsurface flow, but the major surface 

impoundment, the TSF dam, is specifically included in two complementary groundwater models 

(FEFLOW and MODFLOW) developed for the project and simulate possible seepage pathways from 

groundwater to surface water. The model demonstrates that the design of the Conga Project is able to 

contain seepage from the identified potential seepage pathways and therefore prevent releases to the 

groundwater that could impact off-site groundwater quality. 

Particle tracking is a form of conservative transport modeling that calculates no attenuation, chemical 

reaction, or dilution, and tracks the bulk movement of groundwater. If particles are shown to be contained 

within a region, and do not report to another region, then there will be no further need for use of a more 

sophisticated chemical transport and mixing groundwater flow model. As described in Section 5.2.4.7 

and Appendix 3.12, the FEFLOW model is relied upon as the primary means for predicting the possible 

transport of process solutions and other mining-impacted waters within and at the margins of the TSF 

basin and Perol WRSF. The MODFLOW model is used to predict transport outside of the TSF-basin 

associated with capture at the Perol Pit, as well as to demonstrate the areas of effective groundwater 

containment (recharge zones) developed by both the Perol and Chailhuagon pits. 

The groundwater quality impact analysis relies on other studies for water quality predictions for the 

various project facilities (i.e. geochemical models for mine pit lakes (Appendix 10.2 and 10.3) and waste 

rock storage facilities as described in Section 3.2.6) to assess processes internal to the facilities and to 

determine whether and where associated waters to be released have the potential to produce adverse 

impacts to the environment. Only in cases where there is an identified potential for adverse impacts to 

water resources, as determined in the other complementary studies, is the transport model used to 

evaluate magnitude of impact. 

As based on the results of geochemical testing (Section 3.2.6), it was not necessary to model the 

Chailhuagon waste rock storage facility since the studies completed indicate that seepage from the facility 

will be of good quality and will meet ECA standards. The facility however, is included as boundary 

conditions in the site wide MODFLOW model. The Chailhuagon WRSF is simulated as having 

background recharge over the entire footprint of the facility. Also a constant head boundary is used at the 

location of the sediment collection pond at the facility toe to add a component of surface water discharge 

that is tracked in the MODFLOW reach analysis. 

The following sections provide an overview of the three remaining major project facilities associated with 

potential impacts (Main dam, Toromacho dam and the Perol WRSF) and the conceptual framework for 

assessing possible impacts to groundwater using particle tracking along the five identified pathways. The 

particle tracking code used together with the site wide MODFLOW model is MODPATH (Pollack, 1994), 

Version 3, as updated in 1996. Particle tracking with MODPATH requires specification of a time and 

effective porosity. A uniform value of 0.02 was used for porosity. For forward tracking models, a time 

period of 10,000 years was used. For endpoint analyses, a time approaching infinity was used. 



5-58

Potential Seepage to Groundwater from Perol WRSF 

The Perol WRSF has been located in the same drainage as the TSF to maximize the use of the 

containment system designed for controlling seepage from the tailing. The project design (Chapter4), 

also includes a drainage system under the WRSF to allow for the collection and management of seepage 

from the WRSF. 

Seepage pathways from the Perol WRSF are simulated in a FEFLOW model as shown on Figure 5.2.18. 

The FEFLOW model was developed using conservative assumptions (i.e. models maximum simulated 

discharge). This is because a high infiltration rate of 438 mm/yr was applied over the entire footprint of 

the facility. The recharge/infiltration rate was determined as a conservative, worst-case analysis using 

one-dimensional infiltration modeling with the Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance (HELP, 

Schroeder et al., 1994a, 1994b, Knight Piesold, 2010). Given the assumed relatively high infiltration rate, 

a groundwater mound forms within the WRF above the original ground surface, and the seepage 

collection system, which is bypassed in the HELP modeling conducted, is shown to operate effectively in 

the FEFLOW model. 

To approximate the seepage collection system designed for the WRSF, a series of discrete feature 

elements were introduced in the FEFLOW model, defined by a 1 m wide zone of 1 cm/s drainage 

material, which were then hydraulically connected to the retention pond in the low lying area to the 

northwest of the WRSF, or to the drainage system beneath the tailings which is at the eastern limit of the 

WRSF (Golder, 2010). 

With the designed drain system system in place, the FEFLOW model simulates a net infiltration rate of 

about 151 mm/yr (reduced from 438 mm/yr) over the facility footprint. This is in good agreement with the 

MODFLOW calculated flux of 148 mm/yr (Table 5.2.33, 3 percent recharge model, Reach 210) using the 

FEFLOW heads placed directly on the Layer 1 bedrock. The FEFLOW model further simulates that most 

of the infiltration, if it occurred, would report to the TSF pond via the more conductive shallow bedrock 

(Figure 5.2.17). 

The FEFLOW model also estimated a small amount of the seepage beneath the base of the WRSF 

discharging to the east through the limestone unit located in the upper reaches of the Jadibamba basin. 

Engineering controls were found to be necessary in this area of the Perol WRSF to mitigate potential 

groundwater seepage flowpaths. For the purpose of the current modeling, a series of seepage collector 

wells were assigned along the northeastern portion of the WRSF to intercept this seepage component 

and keep this water from leaving the Alto Jadibamba drainage basin. The total pumping from these wells 

was assigned a pumping rate of 1.3 L/s. Other engineered controls, such as alternative drainage 

configurations beneath the WRSF to promote greater lateral drainage along the underlying topography; 

localized lining of a small portion of the WRSF adjacent the limestone inlier; minor reshaping of the WRSF 

to avoid waste rock placement in close proximity to this potential seepage pathway could also be 

effective. The particle tracking results of the FEFLOW model is shown on Figure 5.2.18, which 

demonstrates containment of all particles. 

The FEFLOW model also identified an additional seepage pathway from the Perol WRSF to the Perol pit. 

As described above for the FEFLOW post-construction model (see Table 5.2.31) a seepage boundary 

condition is used to account for seepage into the Perol Pit from the WRSF, where it was assumed that a 

lake would be present at closure at an elevation of 3825 m at closure. As listed in Table 5.2.31, the 

amount seepage calculated in the FEFLOW model reporting to the highwall of the Perol Pit is 3.2 L/s. The 

MODFLOW model simulates the open pit as drains at elevations dictated by the surface topography 

following the high wall of the pit down to the floor of the pit at 3,450 masl (Operational model) or 3,775 

masl (Closure model). MODFLOW-MODPATH simulations are shown in Figure 5.2.16. 



5-59

Potential Seepage to Groundwater from the TSF 

As described in Chapter 4 of the project description, several types of engineering controls have been 

designed into the TSF. Additional details on the specifics of the designed controls are included in 

Appendix 4.6. Additionally, hydraulic containment of the Jadibamba basin has also been extensively 

characterized and is described in Section 5.2.4.7). 

It is also important to note that the project uses thickened tailing, which also serves to limit the potential 

seepage from the TSF since the tailings do not segregate. Furthermore, testing of the tailings indicate 

that they will have a hydraulic conductivity of 10-5 cm/s. Some of the specific controls, such as the 

design of the Main and Saddle dams to include grout curtains and HDPE liners under the supernatant, or 

reclaim ponds, are more fully described in Appendix 4.6. The following paragraphs present the results of 

the predictive modeling for the Main Dam, the Toromacho dam and the Perol WRSF. 

FEFLOW particle tracking results along and downstream of the main dam are shown on Figure 5.2.19. 

The model indicates that seepage from the tailings in the area of the Main Dam is contained within the 

seepage collection system between the Main Dam and the Lower Reservoir. It is noted that similar 

results were obtained using the MODFLOW-MODPATH model but the FEFLOW model results are 

considered more definitive. Total seepage to this area as estimated by the FEFLOW model is 1.9 L/s 

(Table 5.2.31). This includes seepage through and/or beneath the dam structure (approximated at about 

1.2 L/s), as well as local groundwater seepage from the immediate vicinity downstream of the dam 

structure. The summed fluxes in drains along the toe of the Main dam in the MODFLOW model are 2.1 

L/s (Reach 32, Table 5.2.33). 

Particle tracking results from the FEFLOW model at the Toromacho dam are shown in Figure 5.2.20. In 

the FEFLOW model, constant head boundary conditions (into the upper bedrock layers) were applied 

along the toe of the dam at an elevation of 3724 masl, to reflect the collection of seepage from either 

active (e.g., pumping wells) or passive (e.g., drains) groundwater collection systems. This boundary 

condition was required to prevent seepage from the tailings occurring beyond the immediate toe area of 

the Toromacho Dam, either from the dam structure location, or through the moraine along the south 

abutment. 

It is noted that similar results were obtained using the MODFLOW-MODPATH model but the FEFLOW 

model results are considered more definitive. Fluxes at the seepage collection system are also similar 

(1.6 L/s in the MODFLOW model - Reach 42, Figure 5.2.15, Table 5.2.33) are somewhat less than the 

4.3 L/s calculated in the FEFLOW model (Table 5.2.31). The FEFLOW model with finer discretization is 

also used to locate the appropriate location of the margin of the tailings storage facilityed upstream of the 

dam, as described below. 

FEFLOW particle tracking results along the eastern contact between the tailings and the moraine 

deposits are shown on Figure 5.2.21. The particles released in the model, as shown on the lower portion 

of Figure 5.2.21, are set back from the current edge of the proposed tailings drawings. This indicates 

that, in the final design of the tailings facility, consideration should be given to the final elevation and 

spatial location of the tailings in this part of the basin. It also indicates that additional hydrogeological 

information should be collected from the moraine, to ensure tailings seepage following construction 

remains within the drainage basin. Alternatively, consideration could be given to other engineering 

controls including full or partial lining of the basin along the moraine. 

Potential Seepage to Groundwater from Perol Pit 

While potential seepage to groundwater from the Perol Pit is not an operational impact as water 

management will be performed to maintain dry pit conditions, a short description of the potential impacts 

to groundwater is provided here, and is further discussed in Chapter 10 on conceptual closure. Based on 

the geochemical characterization discussed in Section 3.2.6, it is expected that precipitation that contacts 

the exposed pit walls will generate acid and mobilize metals from the wall rock. The potential quality of 

the resultant pit lake has been evaluated using geochemical model, as described in Appendix 10.3. 



5-60

Modeling has also been completed to look at the potential for the pit lake waters to discharge to the 

surrounding groundwater, which could result in impacts to groundwater quality. Modeling, which is 

described in Appendix 10.1- SWS Perol Hydrogeological Report, predicts that it will take more than 80 

years for the pit lake to fully form, though the potential for impacts to groundwater could occur once the pit 

lake level reaches an elevation of greater than 3775 masl, which is projected to occur approximately 55 

years after closure. As described in Chapter 10, active management of the pit lake, through water 

pumping and treatment, will be used to mitigate this potential impact. 

As described above for the FEFLOW post-construction model (see Table 5.2.31) a seepage boundary 

condition is used to account for seepage in the Perol Pit, where it was assumed that a lake would be 

present at closure at an elevation of 3825 m. The MODFLOW model simulates the open pit as drains at 

elevations dictated by the surface topography following the high wall of the pit down to the floor of the pit 

at 3,450 masl (Operational model) or 3,775 masl (Closure model). 

The elevated heads at the Perol WRSF are taken from the FEFLOW model output. For the site wide 

model, the Closure case is considered the most conservative for evaluation (i.e. least tendency for the pit 

to capture seepage from the WRSF), because overall gradients between the WRSF and the lowest 

simulated pit level will be less steep than for the maximum pit advancement stage. 

MODFLOW-MODPATH simulations are shown in Figure 5.2.16. The potentiometric surface of the site 

area is shown on the map to the left, together with the location of an inset map figure detailing the Perol 

WRSF, Perol Pit, Chailhuagon WRSF, and Chailhuagon Pit areas at a more expanded scale. 

Forward particle tracking is shown, together with estimated travel times (in years) from the southeast toe 

of WRSF. The particles tracks indicate capture in the pit high wall dewatering (Operations) and/or 

drainage (Closure) system. It is noted on the figure that two particles are simulated as remaining in the 

footprint of the TSF for 10,000 years. Also, four particles released from the WRSF toe report to drain 

reaches representing stream canals within the TSF-basin at elevations above the impounded tailings; the 

particles deflect either to the west or east based on their starting position relative to the groundwater 

divide along the ridge between the TSF-basin and Perol Pit highwall. 

The endpoint analysis uses a large number of particles placed over a larger than expected capture area 

that are all tracked forward for a time approaching infinity. The MODPATH-GWV analysis determines 

which particles are captured in the Perol Pit Layer 1 drain reach (#110, Figure 5.2.15). If the particles exit 

the model at the designated drain reach, the model cell from the particle originated is highlighted, as 

indicated by the symbols on Figure 5.2.16. 

The Perol Pit capture zone is defined as the contiguous area within which particles report to the pit area, 

as shown with the capture zone boundary line drawn on the figure. Some additional particles that report 

to the Perol Pit drains indicate a zone extending beneath the Chailhuagon WRSF sediment pond and toe; 

however, these are considered due to a single flowpath from beneath the WRSF and do not represent a 

continuous capture zone for the WRSF. Other tracking, not shown, indicates that other particles from the 

WRSF footprint are captured by the drain cells representing the Chirimayo stream system at base flow 

conditions. 

A similar endpoint analysis was conducted for the Chailhuagon Pit, again symbolized on Figure 5.2.18. 

The Chailhuagon pit capture zone does not extend to the north through the pit high wall and groundwater 

divide due to the configuration of the pit, with the deepest portion well south of the highwall. 

Lastly, considering the potential impact analysis and proposed mitigation measures it is estimated that the 

residual impacts for the construction and operation stages can be classified as low mainly due to the 

system set contention that will avoid water reaching the areas outside the project’s boundaries with a 

localized groundwater quality impact. 



5-61


As described in Section 5.2.3.5 referred to the description of methodologies to be applied to define areas 

of influence, the relation between the hydrogeological resource’s quantity and quality and the effect of 

proposed management measures allow the definition of equal areas of influence for both subcomponents 

which are within the project’s boundaries. 

It is worth mentioning that the definition of a water quality area of influence occupying areas associated 

with the Chailhuagón basin corresponds to a conservative approach since, as the studies show, this 

area’s rock does not have the potential of generating acidity and should not have a negative impact on 

surface water or groundwater. 

Thus, Figure 5.2.8 shows this subcomponent’s DAI and IAI during the construction stage and Figure 5.2.9 

shows the operation stage’s DAI and IAI. 

5.2.4.9 Impacts on Flora and Vegetation 


The biological baseline study area of evaluation is comprised of 5 sectors corresponding to the area’s five 

hydrologic basins. This area covers an extension of approximately 29,490 ha. Five very distinctive 

vegetation formations were identified at the evaluation area: shrubs, bog, scrubland, river vegetation, and 

agricultural. Likewise, two types of special floristic coverage were evaluated: rocky habitat and lake 

shorelines. 

In the case of vegetation formations, the scrubland is the one that occupies the largest area (57.8% of the 

evaluation area’s total surface), followed by agricultural land (26.9%) and shrubs (6.8%). In the bog’s 

case, this formation occupies only 0.9% of the evaluated area. Within other contexts, bogs have a higher 

importance due to their biological and hydrological value since they are the habitat for several vegetation 

and animal species (some being endemic) and operate as hydric flow regulators by retaining water during 

the wet season and releasing water during the dry season. It is worth mentioning that, compared with the 

other vegetation formations, the bog area shows a very low flora diversity besides the fact of being 

degraded due to overgrazing. 

The biological baseline study evaluation area recorded a total of 460 vascular plant species and 60 

bryophytes. These species are grouped into 84 genders and 29 botanical families. The dicotyledons 

showed the highest number of species (Magnoliopside 69.6%), followed by monocotyledons (Liliopsida 

25.2%) and Pteridofites (5.0%), while only one 1 gymnosperm (Ephedra rupestris) was recorded at the 

area of evaluation. The botanical families with the largest amount of species was the Asteraceae (97 

species) and Poaceae (70 species). According to the baseline study, the vegetation formations that 

showed the largest specific abundance within the area of evaluation were shrubs and scrublands, while 

the formation that showed the least specific abundance was the bogs. 

Among the flora species recorded by the baseline study, 34 are under some kind of domestic or 

international conservation category. Of these species, 14 are under some kind of threatened criteria 

according to Supreme Decree Nº 043-2006-AG (Listing of Threatened Flora in Peru). Among these 

species, 7 are considered under “critical risk”, 4 as “Vulnerable (VU)” and 3 as “Near Threatened (NT)”. 

According to the CITES international criteria 5 species were considered in Appendix II. The Polylepis 

racemosa species is under the “Vulnerable” category of UICN red list and the Alnus acuminata and 

Distichia acicularis species are under the “Near Threatened” category. Likewise, 46 plant species were 

considered as endemic to Peru according the Red Book of Endemic Plants of Peru (León, B. et ál., 2006), 

of which 6 species are endemic to the department of Cajamarca, i.e., they have a limited distribution. 



5-62

Methodology 

The following activities were performed to assess flora and vegetation related impacts: 

Review of baseline study results (Chapter 3): lists of flora species present in the biological evaluation 

area and identification of vegetation formations within the area of direct influence and surrounding 

areas. 

Mapping of vegetation formations (Chapter 3). 

Review of flora characteristics present based on their inclusion in some special conservation and 

endemic category (Chapter 3). 

Review of the project’s description (Chapter 4) to estimate the facility location’s geographical reach 


Calculation of affected areas, per vegetation type. 

Estimation of threatened or ecologically relevant species to be impacted. 

Subcomponent Significance 

Relevant factors to determine the flora and vegetation significance as final receptor include their relative 

uniqueness at local and national level, the existence of domestic and international conservation 

objectives, the capacity to absorb an impact, and relative importance. The basins are considered as the 

final receptors since each one of them show different characteristics and a different project degree of 

influence. 

In general, the area of direct influence for vegetation coverage is comprised of scrubland, bog, shoreline 

vegetation, agricultural vegetation, and shrub areas. All these vegetation formations are common in the 

Andean areas in the north of the country. It must be pointed out that shrubs are less frequent. 

The vegetation coverage’s importance is the fact that they provide wildlife habitat, shelter, food, etc. 

Furthermore, the development of well-structured vegetation coverage favors the formation of a soil rich in 

organic nutrients. The area’s vegetation coverage of the direct area of occupation is formed by five 

vegetation formations (scrubland, shrubs, agricultural, bog, and shoreline vegetation). Of the vegetation 

formations present in the area of direct influence, bogs are considered of high importance mainly due to 

their uniqueness and their low buffering capacity and the environmental services they provide. They form 

an important habitat for certain types of fauna. Those areas that include bogs are classified with high 

national and local uniqueness, quality and relevance. Furthermore, there are general bog conservation 

objectives. It must be pointed out the fact that the bogs present in the area are degraded due to 

overgrazing. 

Another relevant vegetation formation due to its ability to host a high diversity of fauna and its uniqueness 

in high Andean areas is the scrublands. This vegetation formation is found in small areas within the area 

of direct influence. 

The baseline evaluation area was divided into 5 evaluation sectors belonging to 5 hydrographic basins. 

This subcomponent’s significance evaluation was performed independently at each one of these sectors 

due to their coverage differences and the differences in the project’s magnitude at each sector. 

Toromacho Sector 

This sector’s coverage is mainly made up of scrublands and agricultural areas, being also important 

areas of bare soil. Additionally, some mid-sized shrubs and bogs can be found near the Mamacocha 

lake. Due to the high scrubland dominance in this sector, the final receptor’s uniqueness, quality and 

relevance have been classified with low values. The flora and vegetation’s relative importance in relation 

with the rest of the subcomponents is considered as moderate significance due to the fact that the 

vegetation coverage generates a structure for the biotic communities’ development. Considering the 

aforementioned, the basin area to be affected as part of the project, which is mainly scrublands, is 

classified as low significance. 



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Alto Jadibamba Sector 

This sector includes coverage of mainly scrublands with some areas dedicated to agriculture and bogs 

that also include some shrub areas. These bogs areas were classified with relative uniqueness and 

moderate values on a national and local level. Additionally, there are domestic and international 

conservation objectives. The vegetation forms the ecosystem’s biological productivity (plant main 

productivity and corresponding secondary productivity represented by animal plant consumption). Food 

supply includes several fauna species, especially herbivores or primary consumers. However, due to the 

aforementioned and considering that the area’s largest fraction to be affected by the project is formed by 

scrublands, this area has been classified as having a high significance. 

Chugurmayo Sector 

This sector mainly includes scrubland and agricultural areas where some shrubs and small bogs can also 

be found. The scrubland and agricultural areas dominance result in a low receptor significance due to the 

abundance of scrublands at national and regional level and there are no domestic or international 

conservation objectives. Considering that almost the entire area that will be affected by the project, 

corresponding to a reduced fraction of the basin, includes scrublands as vegetation formation, this area 

has been classified as having a low significance. 

Alto Chirimayo Sector 

Comprised mostly of agricultural and scrubland areas. This sector shows a considerable amount of lakes 

and bogs with some shrub areas. The presence of bogs and lakes (Perol Lake to be removed by 

development of the Perol pit) assigns this subcomponent as having high significance in the Alto 

Chirimayo area. There are also domestic and international conservation objectives. Additionally, the 

national and local uniqueness is high in this sector. This area has been classified as having a high 

significance. 

Chailhuagon Sector 

This sector’s coverage is mainly comprised of scrublands and agricultural areas with the presence of 

lakes and bogs. It also includes some shrub areas. The receptor’s relative uniqueness is low due to the 

dominance of scrublands. Due to the existence of a lake and bog, it is considered that conservation 

domestic and international objectives exist. Based on the aforementioned and the characteristics of the 

area to be impacted by the project, this area has been classified as having a high significance. 

The highest conservation criteria classification is owed to the legislation that categorized Peru’s 

threatened flora (S.D. Nº 043-2006-AG). According to S.D. Nº 043-2006-AG, law that established 

threatened flora categories, there are 14 protected species within the biological baseline study’s 

evaluation area. Endemic plants are those plants that exclusively present specific conditions. The 

baseline study’ evaluations have recorded 46 plants endemic to Peru, according to León et ál. (2006). 

These plants are distributed in several types of vegetation formations within the biological baseline 

study’s evaluation area. Hence, this final receptor has been classified as rare at local and national level. 

Protected and endemic species have a low capacity for absorbing impacts, since they tend to occupy 

very specific niches. Despite the fact that these species (endemic and protected) have a high relative 

importance (from a scientific and conservational perspective), their abundance in the direct area of 

occupancy is very limited. The flora of the project site is relatively poor and common in the area, limited to 

sparse scrublands and bofedale zones. 


Residual flora and vegetation impacts that may be generated by the construction and operation activities 

are described next. 

Construction 

Coverage loss due to project facility construction clearing activities. 

Flora affectation due to project facility construction clearing activities. 



5-64

Loss of vegetation coverage and flora specimen affectation 

This impact includes the loss of natural vegetation mainly due to the project facilities’ direct occupation. It 

also includes flora species under a conservation status, unprotected species, and that, due to their 

dominance, have a prevailing role within the ecosystem’s structure. 

In general, the project facilities’ location will result in the loss of approximately 2000 ha of vegetation 

coverage. It must be pointed out that this calculation excluded areas devoid of vegetation coverage, 

water bodies, and a miscellaneous category that includes anthropogenic disturbance. Chart 5.2.11 

shows areas, per coverage type, that are anticipated will be lost due to the project facilities’ construction. 

It must be pointed out that this estimation was performed taking into account the project’s final footprint. 

It can be observed that, in general, the vegetation area that will be most affected by the project 

development is Scrubland. This is also the vegetation type that had the greatest abundance in the 

baseline evaluation (Chapter 3). Hence, the loss of this type of coverage is not considered as critical. 

Chart 5.2.11 

Approximate Areas to be Affected by the Project, per Vegetation Coverage Type 

Vegetation coverage type 

Area lost 

(ha) 



5-65 

Percentage of total 

Scrubland 1720.6 87.5% 

Bog 102.7 5.2% 

Agricultural 91.4 4.6% 

Shrub 24.3 1.2% 

Other 28.3 1.4% 

Total 1967.3 100.0% 

It is worth mentioning the loss of bog is the most important formation from a conservation standpoint. The 

bog area that will be lost due to the facilities’ location will be of approximately 103 ha or approximately 5% 

of the flora total impact (Chart 5.2.11) and reflects the loss of a significant percentage of the total bog 

within the area. However, it is important to point out, as shown in the baseline studies, that bogs show 

degraded conditions due to overgrazing. Consequently, its baseline quality should not be overvalued. 

Bogs are extremely fragile ecosystems since the occurrence of changes in the hydrologic system can 

result in a rapid destruction of their habitat. Even minor weather, water amount, or management style 

variations may result in dramatic changes of their composition and floristic diversity (Liberman, 1987; 

Seibert, 1993; Messerli et ál., 1997 en Spen et ál., 2006). However, it is worth mentioning that according 

to the baseline study, bogs show a low diversity. Likewise, bogs provide green forage during the winter 

and they are a hydric service becoming an oasis for fauna species seeking shelter during the dry season 

months (ISA, 2006). Consequently, the bogs, along with scrublands, provide important habitat to 

livestock, especially during the dry season. Due to its importance, this vegetation formation has been 

included in the Environmental Management Plan (Chapter 6). 

The project’s area of direct influence will represent significant scrubland, bog, shrub, agricultural losses, 

among others. Alto Jadibamba will be the most affected sector, where most of the facilities will be 

located. However, it must be taken into account that as part of the closure plan, the affected area will be 

revegetated. 

Chart 5.2.12 shows facilities that will be located within the project’s area, showing the area that will affect 

each one of them.

Chart 5.2.12 

Areas to be Affected by Clearing Activities due to the Occupation of Each Facility 

Facility Area lost, in 3D (ha) Percentage of total 

Tailings storage facility 701.8 35.7 

Perol waste rock storage facility 289.1 14.7 

Quarries outside the facilities 256.6 13.0 

Perol pit 223.8 11.4 

Chailhuagon waste rock storage facility 156.5 8.0 

Chailhuagon pit 142.7 7.2 

Topsoil stockpiles 62.8 3.2 

Processing facilities 55.3 2.8 

Reservoirs 54.4 2.8 

Other facilities 16.1 0.8 

Sediment ponds 8.2 0.4 

Total 1967.3 100.00 

As seen, the facility that will affect the largest area will be the tailings storage facility occupying the 

Toromacho and Alto Jadibamba basins resulting in 35.7% of the total disturbance area of the project. 

The second largest facility is the Perol waste rock storage facility, resulting in a 14.7% of the total 

disturbance area in the Alto Jadibamba basin’s vegetation. Borrow areas will be other facilities resulting 

in a significant affectation (13.0%). 

The area of impact for vegetation at each sector is different. Hence, each sector is assigned a different 

value. Chart 5.2.13 shows each vegetation area that will be affected within the 5 sectors. It can be 

observed that Alto Jadibamba and Alto Chirimayo are the most affected sectors while the Chugurmayo 

sector will be the least affected. 

Vegetation 

Formation 

Chart 5.2.13 

Area of Each Vegetation Formation Affected in Each Sector, ha 

Toromach 

o Sector 

Alto 

Jadibamba 

Sector 

Chugurmayo 

Sector 

Alto 

Chirimayo 

Sector 



5-66 

Chailhuagon 

Sector 

Total 

Scrubland 169.2 945.8 15.3 451.6 138.8 1 720.6 

Agricultural 16 28.9 0.1 14.6 31.8 91.4 

Bog 0 23 0 71.9 7.8 102.7 

Shrub 2.2 5.7 0.1 2.1 14.2 24.3 

Shoreline vegetation 0 0.1 0 0 0 0.1 

Other 5.8 10.9 0.3 8.4 2.6 28.1 

Total 193.2 1014.4 15.8 548.6 195.2 1967.3

Impacts evaluated at each sector are described next: 


A small scrubland area with agricultural areas will be affected within this sector (Chart 5.2.13). It is 

expected that the most affected species will be the most abundant species found in scrublands: Agrostis 

tolucensis, Paspalum pallidum, Calamagrostis nitidula, Jarava ichu, and Pernettya prostrata. Among 

shrub areas to be affected are relevant arboreal species such as Buddleja incana, Buddleja longifolia, 

Polylepis racemosa, Alnus acuminata, Escallonia pendula, Escallonia resinosa, and Acacia macracanta 

due to their conservation status. It is consider that a minimal change will take place in this sector. The 

sector’s impact is classified with a very low significance. 


Due to the area to be affected (Chart 5.2.13) the extension of this impact is classified as extended without 

reaching the entire receptor (sector). It is expected that the most affected species within this area will be 

the most abundant scrubland species: Agrostis tolucensis, Paspalum pallidum, Calamagrostis nitidula, 

Jarava ichu y Pernettya prostrata. 

An important bog area will be lost within this sector (Chart 5.2.13), being the most abundant species 

within this area and, hence, the most affected by clearing activities: Calamagrostis tarmensis, Oreobolus 

obtusangulus, Loricaria ferruginea, Carex pichinchensis, and Plantago tubulosa. Additionally, and as part 

of this formation vegetation, although they do not present the largest abundance, important species part 

of the bog’s structure will be lost: Distichia muscoides, Plantago rigida, Werneria pygmaea, Hypsela 

reniformes, and Oritrophium limnophilum, beside the Oreobolus obtusangulus, already mentioned. All 

these species are considered an indication of upland bog presence. Due to the extension of the affected 

area and the affectation of important coverage areas such as bogs the impact is classified as negative 

with moderate significance. 


A small scrubland area with small areas of shrubs and agricultural land will be affected within this sector 

(Chart 5.2.13). It is expected that the most affected species are the most abundant in these scrublands: 

Agrostis tolucensis, Paspalum pallidum, Calamagrostis nitidula, Jarava ichu, and Pernettya prostrata. A 

significant change is not expected and it is considered that this sector will suffer a minimal change. 

Hence, the impact is classified as very low significance. 


Areas dominated by different vegetation will be affected in this sector (Chart 5.2.13), the most important 

being the bog due to aforementioned reasons. It is expected that the most affected species in this sector 

will be the scrublands’ most abundant species: Agrostis tolucensis, Paspalum pallidum, Calamagrostis 

nitidula, Jarava ichu, and Pernettya prostrata. 

As seen in Chart 5.2.13, an important bogbog area will be lost in this sector. This vegetation formation’s 

most abundant species of are: Calamagrostis tarmensis, Oreobolus obtusangulus, Loricaria ferruginea, 

Carex pichinchensis, and Plantago tubulosa. As part of this vegetation formation, although not as 

abundant, important species part of the bogs’ structure will be lost such as: Distichia muscoides, Plantago 

rigida, Werneria pygmaea, Hypsela reniformes, and Oritrophium limnophilum. Due to the bog loss in this 

sector and the extension of the affected areas (Chart 5.2.13), the impact is considered as moderate 

significance. 


The impact in this area will be significant without reaching the entire area affecting considerable bog 

areas, scrublands, and shrubs (Chart 5.2.13). It is expected that the most affected species will be 

scrubland species: Agrostis tolucensis, Paspalum pallidum, Calamagrostis nitidula, Jarava ichu, and 

Pernettya prostrata. 



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Bogs will be lost in this sector (Chart 5.2.13) affecting most of the species: Calamagrostis tarmensis, 

Oreobolus obtusangulus, Loricaria ferruginea, Carex pichinchensis, and Plantago tubulosa. Likewise, 

and part of this formation, although they are not the most abundant, important species forming the bog’s 

structure will be such as: Distichia muscoides, Plantago rigida, Werneria pygmaea, Hypsela reniformes, 

and Oritrophium limnophilum. 

Another vegetation formation that will be affected will be small shrub areas being the most abundant 

species: Lupines billions, Aerating scopulorum, Pappobolus lanatus, Berberis saxicola, and Achyrocline 

alata. It is important to point out that, among the shrub species can be found among some species which 

some deserve special attention due to their conservation status: Buddleja incana, Buddleja longifolia, 

Polylepis racemosa, Alnus acuminata, Escallonia pendula, Escallonia resinosa, and Acacia macracanta. 

Individual members of these species may be affected during clearing activities. The impact has been 

classified as moderate significance. 

The loss of vegetation coverage due to clearing activities includes the loss of flora species that are part of 

domestic and/or international objectives. Endemic and/or protected species show a dispersed pattern 

and low abundance within the recorded vegetation formations. To identify protected flora species that will 

be affected by the project facilities’ location, the area to be affected and its coverage nature were 

considered. Hence, areas with the highest probability of including these species were defined. 

According to S.D. Nº 043-2006-AG, there are 14 species within the biological baseline study’s area of 

evaluation protected at national level (Chart 5.2.14): 

Chart 5.2.14 

Flora Species Protected Nationwide 

Family Species INRENA 

Buddlejaceae Buddleja incana CR 

Buddlejaceae Buddleja longifolia CR 

Ephedraceae Ephedra rupestris CR 

Fabaceae Otholobium munyensis CR 

Myrtaceae Myrcianthes discolor CR 

Rosaceae Polylepis racemosa CR 

Rosaceae Hesperomeles heterophylla CR 

Solanaceae Solanum jalcae CR 

Geranaceae Geranium dielsianum EN 

Anacardinaceae Mauria heterophylla VU 

Betulaceae Alnus acuminata VU 

Escalloniaceae Escallonia pendula VU 

Escalloniaceae Escallonia resinosa VU 

Asteraceae Chuquiraga jussieui NT 

Fabaceae Acacia macracanta NT 

Asteraceae Baccharis genistelloides NT 

Solanaceae Solanum acaule NT 

CR= Critical risk, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, NT = Near threatened 



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Most of these species are associated shrubland or are clustered in small slope areas. Hence, some 

individuals may be encountered during facility clearing activities (Perol and Chailhuagon pits, Perol and 

Chailhuagon waste rock storage facilities, processing facilities, water management facilities, borrow 

areas, internal roads, and ancillary facilities). 

Operation 

No flora or vegetation impact is expected during the operation stage since change of this subcomponent 

will take place during the construction stage. 


Based on the criteria included in Section 5.2.3.5, Figure 5.2.2 shows this subcomponent’s DAI and IAI for 

the construction stage. 

5.2.4.10 Terrestrial Fauna Impacts 


The biological baseline evaluation’s area recorded 225 species of terrestrial vertebrate species of which 

205 corresponds to the avifauna group, being distributed in 15 ranks and 41 families. The largest found 

bird species was Passeriforms, with Tyrannidae and Trochilidae being the most representative families 

with 27 and 26 species, respectively. The mammal group recorded a total of 13 species belonging to 5 

taxonomic groups and 10 families while 4 amphibian and three reptile species were recorded. 

Of the vertebrate species recorded within the biological baseline study’s evaluation area, 18 bird species 

found were considered as sensitive species according to the avifauna characterization performed by 

Stotz et ál (1996), among which 7 Passeriforms, 3 Psitacids, 2 Strigiforms, 2 Charadriforms, 2 

Apodiforms, and 1 Piciform were found. According to INRENA’s classification, 13 avifauna species 

recorded during the evaluations show some type of conservation status being the Taphrolesbia 

griseiventris hummingbird the most since it shows the highest conservation category, i.e., Critical Risk 

(CR). Four species found are under INRENA’s “Endangered” (EN) category, 5 species are under the 

“Vulnerable” (VU) category and 1 reptile species, while none of the recorded species show a conservation 

status. 

Within the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s categories, 8 bird species were recorded in 

the evaluation area, 3 species under the Endangered (EN) category, 3 under the Vulnerable (VU) 

category, and the 2 remaining categories are included in the Near Threatened (NT) category. One 

amphibian species is included in the “Critical Risk (CR)” category. No mammal or reptile species is listed 

by the IUCN. 

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) includes the Vultur gryphus 

Andean condor in Appendix I while 51 bird species are protected at a family and/or rank level which are 

included in Appendix II. One mammal species, the Una especie de mamífero, the Lycalopex culpaeus 

Andean fox is included in CITES’s Appendix II. 

Methodology 

The following activities were performed to assess related fauna and habitat impacts: 

Review of baseline study’s results (Chapter 3) that includes a fauna list of species present in the 

biological baseline evaluation’s area and abundance information, habitat preferences, and sensitivity 

criteria. 

Mapping of vegetation formations evaluated by the baseline study to constitute the initial point to 

determine fauna available habitats. 

Review of fauna presence characteristics based on its conservation and endemic category (Chapter 3). 

Review of the Project’s Description (Chapter 4) to establish the affectation from construction and 

operation activities. 

Noise dispersion model results and interpretation. 



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Relevant factors to determine a final receptor’s significance include its relative uniqueness as habitat, at 

national and local level, the existence of domestic and international conservation objectives, ability to 

absorb impacts, and fauna and its habitat relative importance versus other environmental receptors within 

the area of direct influence. 

Several types of habitats are contained within the area of direct influence that shelter different fauna 

species. Consequently, the fauna receptor values may vary according to the existing ecosystems’ 

characteristics. The ecosystem has been grouped into 5 different sectors based on the biological 

baseline evaluation and without neglecting these variations: Toromacho sector, Alto Jadibamba sector, 

Chugurmayo sector, Alto Chirimayo sector, and Chailhuagon sector. 


The fauna recorded at this sector has a low rarity at the national and local level due to the presence of a 

common habitat availability and fauna species associated with the same which are dominated by 

scrublands. The area to be affected at this sector includes scrublands. The most recorded species in 

these areas were Asthenes flammulata, Asthenes pudibunda canasteros and the Colaptes rupícola 

woodpecker. There have been sightings of the Cavia sp. wild guinea pig and Lagidium peruanum 

viscachas. Additionally, Lycalopex culpaeus Andean fox can be found in these areas the according to the 

area’s population although his presence must be corroborated. The viscachas and wild guinea pig are 

important links of the tropic network since they are active consumers of grass and grains and are 

components of the fox’s diet in these areas. However, considering the minimal portion of area to be 

impacted, the receptor’s significance is classified as very low. 


The fauna present in this sector has a moderate rarity at the national level and low rarity at the regional 

level due to the presence of habitats with low availability such as the sector’s bogs and lakes and 

scrubland and shrub areas. This habitat variety is related to a fauna with low availability at the national 

level although the fauna found is similar to the fauna inhabiting the surrounding areas. The Perol waste 

rock storage facility, primary crushing circuit, processing plant and two topsoil stockpiles, among other 

minor facilities, will be located in this sector. The sector’s most common bird species are the Colaptes 

rupícola woodpecker, Anis specularioides and Anas flavirostris ducks, the Nycticorax nycticorax heron, 

the Phrygilus plebejus ash-breasted sierra-finch, and the Asthenes humilis and Asthenes flammulata 

canasteros, among other. The Lycalopex culpaeus fox, the Conepatus sp skunk, and the Cavia sp wild 

guinea pig were among the recorded mammals. Additionally, several Gastroteca montícola and 

Eleutherodactylus simonsii frog individuals were recorded. These species compositions occupying a 

wide variety of spaces provide an image of the sector’s ecological complexity. The sector’s ability to 

absorb an impact is considered moderately high since no highly sensitive species were recorded. This 

subcomponent’s relative importance is low due to the fact that the system is not primarily dependent on 

land fauna. A moderate receptor significance was found for this sector. 


This area’s fauna presence is mainly related to scrublands. Passeriformes were dominant among bird 

species and no mammal, amphibian, or reptile species were recorded. Since the area to be affected is 

represented by a scrubland patch, this subcomponent’s rarity is low. This sector’s final receptor was 

classified as very low significance. 



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The fauna present in this sector has a moderate rarity at the national level and low at the regional level 

due to the presence of habitats with limited bog and lake availability. The Perol pit will be located in this 

sector, among other minor facilities. The sector’s most common bird species were the Colaptes rupícola 

woodpecker, Anas specularioides and Anas flavirostris ducks, and other species such as Plegadis 

ridgwayi, Turdus chiguanco, Cinclodes fuscus, Asthenes humilis, and Zonotrichia capensis, among other. 

The Lagidium peruanum vizcacha, the Lycalopex culpaeus fox, the Conepatus sp. skunk, and the Cavia 

sp. wild guinea pig were recorded among mammals. Its capacity to absorb impacts is considered as 

moderately low since no high sensitivity species were recorded. This subcomponent’s relative 

importance is low since the ecosystem is not primarily dependent on land fauna. The final receptor was 



This sector recorded a moderate rarity fauna at the national level and low at the regional level. The 

sector’s most common species were the Zonotrichia capensis, Phrygilus plebejus, Asthenes pudibunda, 

Asthenes humilis, Anas georgica among other. Among the recorded mammals were the Lagidium 

peruanum vizcacha, the Lycalopex culpaeus fox, the Conepatus sp. skunk, and the Cavia sp. wild guinea 

pig, and some mice and bat species. The sector’s ability to absorb impacts is conserved moderately high 

since not many high sensitivity species were recorded. The sector’s relative importance is low since the 

ecosystem is not primarily dependent on land fauna. The sector’s final receptor was classified as 

moderate significant. 


It is expected that fauna impacts will be generated during the construction and operation stages. Two 

foreseeable impacts have been identified: habitat affectation and fauna dispersion due to anthropogenic 

disturbances/noise. 

The habitats affectation is strongly linked with the loss of vegetation coverage or water bodies (clearing, 

bog removal, water transferal) where the project’s facilities will be located. This loss may result in the 

elimination of species, reduction and loss of adequate habitats, and/or degradation or fragmentation of 

remaining habitats (Dinerstein et ál., 1995). 

Fauna dispersion is understood as animal displacement due to noise generation and human presence 

caused by the project activities’ development. This displacement is the result of emission centers and 

generally for the time the action takes place (for instance, noise) that triggers this reaction (i.e. 

dispersion). If this action persists for a long period of time exposed individuals may abandon permanently 

the sector in search of another habitat that provides similar food, shelter, reproduction, resources,etc. 

However, other species may adapt to noise. This response is directly linked with the species’ sensitivity 

to anthropogenic alterations. 

It must be pointed out that fauna habitat and dispersion affectation during the construction and operation 

stages is not only restricted to the direct area of occupation. It extends to the surroundings as well, 

depending on the magnitude of impact. 

It is considered that the activities at different sectors may excise some effect on the local fauna. These 

activities are mainly clearing activities that will be performed throughout the facilities which result in a loss 

of habitat and fauna dispersion. Blasting activities during the operation stage will also result in the 

dispersion of the area’s fauna. 

It must be taken into account that the fauna impact evaluation has assigned a higher relevance to “key” 

species within the ecosystem due to their attributes, such as belonging to some conservation category or 

showing some endemic criteria, sensitivity to disturbances, habitat and food specificity, rarity, among 

other. These types of species play an important role within the ecosystem’s ecological processes which 

makes them “key” players for the proper operation of this ecosystems. 



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There are wild fauna domestic and international objectives. At domestic level, the S.D. Nº 034-2004-AG 

establishes a list of species under a special conservation status. Based on this list, the biological 

baseline evaluation includes 15 protected species. 

At the international level, the IUCN (International Union of Conservation in Nature) and CITES 

(Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 2009) lists are 

applicable. 

Of the amphibian group, the Eleutherodactylus simonsii frog is under a Critical Risk (CR) category 

according to IUCN. Of the avifauna group, Taphrolesbia griseiventris, Anairetes alpinus and Poospiza 

rubecula species are under the Endangered (EN) category. The following bird species are under the Near 

Threatened (NT) category: the Gallinago imperialis “Imperial Snipe” and the Vultur gryphus el “Andean 

Condor”. The Leptosittaca branickii “Golden-plume Parakeet”, while “Loro Cachetidorado” Leptosittaca 

branickii, Lathrotriccus griseipectus “Grey-breasted Flycatcher” and the Agriornis andicola “White-tailed 

Shrike Tyrant” are under the Vulnerable (VU) category. 

According to CITES, the only species considered within the Appendix I (species under risk of extinction 

and that CITES usually forbids the international trade of specimens included in this group) is the Vultur 

gryphus Andean Condor, while 51 species are under a family protected level and/or rank and they are 

included in Appendix II (species that are not necessarily under risk of extinction but that may be if its 

trading is not strictly regulated). Hummingbirds, parakeets, predators, and owls are included. 

A list of species considered as relevant and selection criteria is included next. 

Chart 5.2.15 

Protected Fauna Species at the Domestic Level 

Group Species INRENA Endemic 

Bird Taphrolesbia griseiventris CR X 

Bird Vultur gryphus EN 

Bird Anairetes alpinus EN 

Bird Agriornis andicola EN 

Bird Poospiza rubecula EN X 

Bird Netta erythrophthalma VU 

Bird Theristicus melanopis VU 

Bird Asthenes dorbygnyi VU 

Bird Lathrotriccus griseipectus VU 

Bird Leptosittaca branickii VU 

Bird Gallinago imperialis NT 

Bird Falco peregrinus NT 

Bird Podiceps occipitalis NT 

Mammal Thomasomys praetor VU X 

Amphibian Eleutherodactylus simonsii VU X 

CR= Critical Risk, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, NT = Near Threatened 

Construction 

Clearing will be the main construction activity that will have an impact on fauna. Since this activity is the 

first step to prepare the ground where the project’s several facilities will be located, almost the entire 

footprint will receive its effects by either generating a loss of habitat within the footprint or fragmentation of 

the same. Likewise, clearing activities, noise, and people transportation resulting from clearing activities 

will result in the fauna’s dispersion due to a loss of shelter, food, etc. coverage. 



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In addition, most of the effects on fauna will be generated at this stage due to the fact that most of the 

impact generation activities (i.e. land preparation, bog removal, and water transferal) will take place only 

during the project’s initial development. Other impacts mainly related to blasting will occur during the 


Affectation of Habitats 

Habitat affectation will result in the loss and fragmentation of the same mainly due to clearing activities. 

The area of direct influence is covered by 5 main vegetation formations where shrub, scrubland, bog, 

shoreline vegetation, and agricultural areas have been found. These habitats will be lost as the result of 

clearing and bog removal activities through the entire facilities (pits, reservoirs, waste rock storage 

facilitys, etc.). 

Each impact has been independently assigned a value due to the different extension and coverage type 

at the evaluation sectors. 


A relatively small scrubland area will be lost in this sector affecting species habitats found in this 

vegetation formation, mainly small birds such as passeriformes and the wild guinea. Birds have a wide 

range of movement which will avoid a significant affectation of this group. In the case of other species, 

this loss will be mainly represented by a loss of shelter and feeding areas. It is considered that this 

change is specific to the sector since it occupies a small area of the Chugurmayo sector. Hence, it is 

classified as a negative impact with a very low significance. 


A significant loss of relevant habitats such as bogs and lakes will take place in this sector. Additionally, 

large scrubland and shrub extensions that provide an important vertebrate community development 

structure will be lost. 

It is estimated that habitats available for birds such as the Colaptes rupicola woodpecker, the Phrygilus 

plebejus ash-breasted sierra-finch, and Asthenes humilis and Asthenes flammulata canasteros which are 

mainly found at scrubland areas. Aquatic species such as the Anas specularioides and Anas flavirostris 

ducks that use lakes as habitat will also be affected. Likewise, the Gallinago andina and the Nycticorax 

nycticorax black-crowned night heron that use lake or bog surrounding areas will probably also be 

affected by the removal of bogs and lakes. 

The Lycalopex culpaeus fox and Conepatus sp. skunk were recorded among mammals. These species 

have a very wide displacement range and their habitat affectation will result in movement pattern 

variations for these individuals. The Cavia sp. wild guinea pig will suffer the loss of shelter and feeding 

areas. It is considered that the clearing activities’ effect has a small range since it occupies only a portion 

of the sector without reaching the entire area. The impact on the fauna is classified as moderate 

significance for this sector. 


A small scrubland area will be lost affecting habitats of species that are found in this vegetation formation, 

mainly small birds like passeriformes. These birds have a wide movement range. Hence, no significant 

affectation will occur for these birds. It is considered that a specific change will take place in this sector 

since it occupies a small area. Hence, this impact is classified as a negative impact with very low 

significance. 



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A significant habitat affectation will take place in this sector for relevant species. The areas that will be 

lost include bogs and lakes and large extensions of scrublands and shrubs that provide vertebrate 

community development structures. The loss of coverage due to clearing activities will affect abundant 

species within the area, such as the Colaptes rupícola woodpecker. 

Anas specularioides and Anas flavirostris ducks, migratory species such as Actitis macularía spotted 

sandpiper, the Calidris bairdii Baird's sandpiper, and the Tringa flavipes and Vanellus resplendans inhabit 

lake and bog areas. These species will be affected by the Perol’s lake water transferal and bog removal. 

Likewise, these activities will also affect habitats available for other species such the Plegadis ridgwayi, 

Turdus chiguanco, Cinclodes fuscus, Asthenes humilis, Zonotrichia capensis, among other. These 

habitats are mainly scrublands and shrubs. 

The Cavia sp. wild guinea pig will be among the mammals that will suffer an important habitat loss. This 

mammal uses scrublands as habitat and shelter. Additionally, the loss of vegetation coverage will affect 

amphibian and reptile species. Amphibians use lakes and bogs as reproduction habitats while 

amphibians and reptiles depend on the scrubland for shelter and feeding. The sector’s impact has been 



Scrubland, shrubs, and bogs habitats will be mainly affected in this sector. The loss of vegetation 

coverage will result in the loss and fragmentation of bird species habitats. Among the most common 

species found in this sector are small species such as the Zonotrichia capensis, Phrygilus plebejus, 

Asthenes pudibunda and Asthenes humilis, among other, which use shrubs and scrublands as feeding 

habitats while aquatic species and species related to wet areas will be affected by the removal of bogs. 

Cavia sp. wild guinea pig is one of the most affected species along with some mice species 

(Thomasomys cinereus and Thomasomys praetor). This species have their shelters at scrubland and 

shrub areas which are also their feeding habitats. The fauna impact has been considered as moderate 

significance for this sector. 

Fauna Dispersion 

Fauna dispersion will be mainly the result of the area’s clearing activities due to the loss of coverage, staff 

presence, and noise which will cause fauna dispersion from emission centers. These disturbances will 

occur with less intensity depending on the involved species. Regarding the avifauna, it is expected that 

species with high and moderate sensitivity will be the most affected. Likewise, it is expected that species 

with less mobility and wider spaces show the highest mobility between different vegetation coverage. 

Of the recorded species within the area of evaluation, birds have the highest sensitivity. Among these 

species, 8% show a high sensitivity and 43% shows an average sensitivity. Among the species with high 

sensitivity and included in some conservation list is the Taphrolesbia griseiventris, a species associated 

with forest areas or high shrubs. Although this species was recorded in the Alto Jadibamba sector, the 

bibliography shows a very limited distribution. Hence, its presence within hr project’s area of influence 

must be confirmed and its population monitored for conservation purposes since it is considered an 

important conservation and research species. Other sensitive species under some conservation status 

that will not be affected since they are distributed at lower areas of the biological baseline evaluation. 

It is estimated that the Perol and Chailhuagon pit locations, and their corresponding waste rock storage 

facilities, will result in the dispersion of bird species such as: Plegadis ridgwayi, Turdus chiguanco, 

Cinclodes fuscus, Asthenes humilis, Zonotrichia capensis, Zonotrichia capensis, Phrygilus plebejus, and 

Asthenes pudibunda. Likewise, a dispersion of rodents such as the Thomasomys cinereus and 

Thomasomys praetor will take place. Large and medium sized mammals such as the fox may also be 

affected but it is not considerable since they show large spaces and high mobility. 



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The location of other facilities will result in the dispersion of species such as the Nycticorax nycticorax, 

Phrygilus plebejus, Plegadis ridgwayi, Zonotrichia capensis, Turdus chiguanco Asthenes humilis, and 

Asthenes flammulata. Additionally, the Thomasomys cinereus and Thomasomys praetor rodents and the 

wild guinea pig will also be affected. In the case of mid-sized and large mammal species such as the 

Andean fox, viscachas, and skunk will be affected. However, as aforementioned, since these species 

have wide spaces the affectation will be low. 

In general, the impact is classified as moderate significance for the entire evaluated area. 

Operation 

Operation activities that will have an effect on fauna are mainly related to the Perol and Chailhuagon pit 

blasting process. Fauna will be affected by dispersion due to the noise produced. 

Fauna Dispersion 

The largest impact on the fauna will be noise emissions generated by the Perol and Chailhuagon blasting 

activities. The fauna remaining after the clearing activities will be affected by the noise produced by the 

pit blasting activities. 

It is expected that low sensitivity species will be the species that will remain in the area after the 

construction stage using remaining habitats in the pits’ surrounding area. Due to these species low 

sensitivity, a large impact is not expected on them. Given the remaining fauna’s characteristics at the 

aforementioned facilities’ footprint, it is considered that a low significance impact will be generated. 


Figure 5.2.22 shows this subcomponent’s DAI and IAI during the construction and operation stages 

based on the criteria include in Section 5.2.3.5. 

5.2.4.11 Aquatic Life Impacts 


Lakes and evaluation areas were established within the biological baseline study’s evaluation. A total of 

6 lakes and 11 streams near the future facilities were evaluated. 

According to the habitat calculated based on biological parameters, it was found that the Chailhuagon 

Lake’s downstream stations show good quality. Water of very poor quality was recorded at one of the 

stations located in the Chirimayo River while the rest of the evaluated rivers have water of poor quality. 

Regarding the lakes, the species found are an indication of good quality environments. 

Benthic macroinvertebrates proved to be relatively abundant organisms in the rivers of the study area 

where 59 morphospecies distributed in 5 phyla, 7 classes, 14 ranks, and 38 families were recorded. An 

average of 9 species was recorded at lakes. The Azul and Perol lakes showed the highest values. 

Fish species were sampled at the 11 evaluated streams. The presence of 10 fish species was recorded. 

Two fish species were recorded within the evaluation area: rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and 

catfish (Astroblepus sp.). A total of 61 trout and 291 catfish were recorded at the evaluated streams. 

These numbers are considered low given the amount of evaluated streams. The stream reach present at 

the different sectors show different abundances depending on their location, streams located at the 

Chailhuagon and Toromacho show the highest abundance. It is worth mentioning that the evaluated 

streams mostly correspond to areas closer to the basin’s headwaters which in general show a low 

amount of water. Only the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was recorded at the evaluated lakes, the 

Perol, Chailhuagon, and Huashwas lakes. The latter recorded the highest abundance. It must be pointed 

out that this trout is a species that belongs to the salmon group originating in North America that was 

introduced in Peru and then farmed at different Andean water bodies. It requires water currents to 

reproduce and cannot reproduce naturally at lakes. All recorded individuals at lakes were introduced. 



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Specific Methodology 

Applied methodology to determine impacts on the aquatic life included the following activities: 

Collection of information obtained from the baseline study (Chapter 3) that includes a detail description 

of the hydrobiological fauna. 


Evaluation of aquatic life’s sensitivity based on its attributes as disturbance indicators. 

Environmental Subcomponent’s Significance 

The environmental subcomponent’s significance was estimated for the entire biological baseline study’s 

area of evaluation (includes 5 evaluation sectors). This subcomponent’s local and national rarity was 

classified as low while the quality of the same has been classified as moderately low due to water quality 

results obtained during the baseline study for the different rivers and lakes. There aren’t neither local nor 

national conservation objectives for the species recorded during the baseline study. The subcomponent’s 

relative importance is considered as moderate significance. 


Expected residual impacts on aquatic life within the project’s area are included next. 

Construction 

Lotic environment aquatic habitat quality variation resulting from clearing activities, bog removal, water 

transferal, topsoil removal, and earthworks (Alto Jadibamba, Alto Chirimayo, Toromacho, and 

Chailhuagon basins). 

Bog aquatic life availability variation due to bog removal (including the Perol, Cocañez, Huayra Machay, 

and Azul bog complexes). 

Lentic environment aquatic habitat availability variation due to water transferal (Azul, Mala, Chica, and 

Perol lakes). 

Aquatic life quality and habitat availability impacts are expected during the construction stage. Habitat 

quality will be affected mainly due to increased sediment to surface water bodies. Habitat availability will 

be affected by bog removals and lake water transferal. 

Habitat Quality Variation 

Habitat quality variation will be mainly due to the addition of substance or particles to the water bodies 

near the clearing activities, bog removal, water transferal, topsoil removal, and earthworks resulting from 

the occupation of several facilities. Of the 5 evaluated sectors, 4 will be affected. An independent 

analysis was performed foe each sector since each one will be affected at different levels. 


Only one small stream will be affected within this sector, producing a minimal change of the final receptor. 

Since this will be a specific affectation within the final receptor the impact was classified as very low 

significance. 


This sector will be affected by earthworks, clearing activities, and bog removal for the project facilities’ 

location. This will affect water quality at surrounding streams. It is worth mentioning that water at the 

area’s bogs have low pH values, characteristics that affect its quality. No fish life was found at the 

evaluated stream. A minimum change is produced at the final receptor. Additionally, this affectation is 

considered as specific within the final receptor. The impact was classified as very low significance. 


No aquatic life affectation is considered for this sector. There is no impact. 



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Earthworks, clearing activities, and bog removal to allow the project facilities’ location including the Perol 

pit will affect the habitat quality at the Alto Chirimayo sector’s stream. This type of activities will result in a 

minimal change and specific affectation within the final receptor. This impact is classified as very low 

significance. 


Earthworks, clearing activities, and bog removal for the construction of the project different facilities 

including the Chailhuagon pit will result in aquatic life habitat quality changes at this basin. In addition, 

the Chailhuagon Lake is considered as a discharge receptor during the project’s construction stage 

before the construction of the Chailhuagon reservoir. This type of activities will result in a minimal change 

at the final receptor and a specific affectation within the sector. This impact is classified as very low 

significance. 

Habitat Availability Variation 

Aquatic life habitat availability will be mainly affected by the loss of water bodies due to water transferal 

and bog removal. Additionally, some rivers present in the area of occupation will be affected by the 

project facilities’ location at the different sectors evaluated. 


A small will be affected resulting in a minimal change of habitat availability with a specific affectation 

within the final receptor. The impact was classified as very low significance. 


The Azul and Chica lakes will be affected due to water transferal during the facilities’ construction stage 

mainly by development of the Perol waste rock storage facility. Additionally, the removal of an important 

portion of bogs such as the Azul and Huayra Machay bogs, among other, will be performed. This change 

will result in a large impact as several water bodies will be affected, considerably reducing habitat 

availability for the development of aquatic life. This affectation is considered extensive without reaching 

the entire sector. This impact was classified as negative with low significance. 


Aquatic life affectation is not considered for this sector. No impact is present. 


The Perol Lake will be affected by water transferal for the construction of the Perol pit, resulting in a 

reduction of aquatic life habitat availability. Additionally, the Perol and surrounding bogs will be affected. 

Bogs will be removed to allow the construction of the Perol pit which will result in a drastic change at the 

final receptor. This affectation will be extensive without reaching the entire sector. This impact was 

classified as negative with low significance. 


This sector will be affected by the removal of bogs surrounding the Chailhuagon Lake for the construction 

of the Chailhuagon pit resulting in an aquatic life habitat availability change within this sector. 

Furthermore, water transferal from the Mala Lake will also result in an aquatic life habitat availability. 

However, it is worth mentioning that the Chailhuagon lake area will increase due to the establishment of 

the Chailhuagon reservoir. Hence, a positive impact is expected on habitat availability. This impact was 

classified as negative with low significance. 

Operation 

Habitat quality and availability variation due to the following activities: ore mining, waste rock disposal, 

crushed material temporary disposal, tailings disposal, water use, sediment pond operation, acid water 

treatment plant operation, and temporary storage facility operation. 



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This stage’s affectation will be mainly due to project discharges and their effect on surrounding rivers at 

evaluated sectors. However, since a discharged flow control has been contemplated, this impact is 

classified as negative with very low significance except at the Chugurmayo sector where no impact is 

present. 

Area of influence 

This subcomponent’s DAI and IAI are included in Figure 5.2.8 and 5.2.9 based on the criteria discussed 

in Section 5.2.3.5 for the construction and operation stages respectively. 

5.2.4.12 Landscape 


The landscape study’s description and analysis includes, among other attributes, a quality, frailty, and 

visibility characterization. The landscape was analyzed from a visual approach standpoint (visual 

landscape). This considers an aesthetics or perception approach and it involves a description of 

landscape components (physical, biological, and anthropoid elements), and spatial interaction of these 

elements and main landscape dynamics. A visual quality analysis, frailty analysis, and landscape visual 

absorption ability analysis were also performed. 

Seven landscape units were established for visual landscape purposes: bogs, water bodies, puna grass, 

rocks, forest areas, and farming areas. Additionally, a landscape sectoring was performed applying a 

hydrographic basin concept considering relevant physical aspects with altitude and topographic trends 

associated with local geomorphological processes. Hence, five sectors were obtained: 

i) Toromacho sector: includes the Mamacocha and Pencayoc lakes and the Taru Orco, Derrumbo, 

Polonia hills, among others. The Quengorio Alto, Quengorio Bajo, Namococha, Pencayoc hamlets 

are located within this sector. This sector is dominated by overgrazed scrublands and some rock 

areas. 

ii) Alto Jadibamba sector: includes the Cortada, Azul, and Chica lakes, and Cardon Loma, Piedra 

Redonda, Lluspioc hills, among others. Additionally, the Piedras Grandes, Piedra Redonda Amaro, 

Huasiyuc hamlets are located within this center. This sector shows many areas under constant 

burning. Farming and shrub patch areas are observed in the lower areas. 

iii) Chugurmayo sector: outlined by the Alumbre, Picota Grande hills, among others. It includes the 

Chugurmayo and Uñigan Lirio hamlets. This sector shows farming, shrubs, and dry forest areas at 

the lower portion. 

iv) Alto Chirimayo sector: includes the Perol, Alforja Cocha, Lipiac, and Chaquicocha lakes and the 

Cordova, Peña Blanca, Picota Chica, Perol hills, among others. Agua Blanca, El Tingo, La Chorrera, 

Alforjacocha, and Santa Rosa de Milpo hamlets are within this sector. They occupy a steep slope 

that includes important bogs, scrublands, and farming areas at its mid and low portions. 

v) Chailhuagon sector: includes the Chailhuagon, Mishacocha, Mishacocha Chica, and Caparrosa lakes 

and the Huachua Pampa, Viscacha, Collpa Coñor Punta, hills. It includes the de San Nicolas, 

Porvenir Encañada, El Porvenir de Yerba Buena, and Chailhuagon hamlets, among others. It 

presents an area dominated by scrublands and, in its mid and lower portion, farmed and rock areas. 

Additionally, the following landscape components proposed by Moniz and Schmidt (1996) and MAA 

(2004) were described and included for characterization purposes: 

Physical: relevant geological, geomorphological, and hydrological items and processes; 

Biotic: landscape biological and ecological items and processes paying special attention to the 

vegetation coverage; 

Anthropic: anthropic items focused on soil use and exploitation and their landscape integration and 

extension (for instance, urban centers, dispersed habitat, infrastructure, cultural items, among other) 

The landscape visual quality analysis results showed two high visual quality areas: Toromacho and Alto 

Jadibamba, due to the unique features observed. The Alto Chirimayo and Chailhuagon sectors showed 



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an average visual quality corresponding to the visible presence of lakes. The Chugurmayo sector 

showed a low visual quality since landscape is common to the area and region. 

According to the frailty analysis, three areas (Toromacho, Alto Jadibamba, and Chugurmayo) showed an 

“average” frailty and, consequently, average absorption ability mainly due to a moderate slope relief, less 

inclined in some areas, and almost imperceptible human activity. In addition, the Alto Chirimayo and 

Chailhuagon sectors showed a visual frailty classified as “low frailty” based on the relief. Considerable 

bog areas were recorded at the Alto Chirimayo sector and this type of vegetation is of slow regeneration. 

Methodology 

The methodology applied to determine landscape impacts at the operations area included the following 

activities: 

Collection of information obtained in the baseline study (Chapter 3) that includes a detailed landscape 

description. This information includes a calculation of landscape visual quality and frailty. 

Visual accessibility analysis through the development of visual basins applying the automatic ray 

method (Viewshed, 3D Analyst-ArcGIS 9.2 tool). 

Description of construction activities (Chapter 4). 

Generation of visualization scenarios from different observing points (3-D models, ArcScene). 

Integration of modeling results of panoramic photographs considering different points of observation. 

Calculation of new visual quality indexes considering the proposed infrastructure. 

Receptor Significance 

The project area’s landscape significance qualification was performed based on its low uniqueness at the 

local and national level. There aren’t any efforts to protect the area’s landscape and, in general terms, an 

average visual quality was assumed. Regarding the importance of this subcomponent, the landscape is 

not estimated as important for other subcomponents since it is a human perception and does not 

intervene in the ecosystem’s dynamics. 


Expected landscape residual impacts within the area of operations are described next. Likewise, impact 

final analysis results are also included. 

Construction 

Landscape quality alteration due to clearing activities to enable the project’s facilities. 

Landscape quality alteration due to earthworks to enable the project’s facilities. 

Landscape quality alteration due to water transferal, bog removal, and civil works to enable project 

facilities. 

Landscape quality alteration due to installation of structural, mechanical, piping, electrical, and 

instrumentation systems (SMPE&I) to enable the project’s processing, tailings management, water 

management, and ancillary facilities. 

Operation 

Landscape quality alteration due to ore mining, waste rock disposal, and tailings disposal. 

Visual accessibility from the project footprint and points of interest (one per sector) and landscape visual 

quality at each sector were considered for this evaluation. 

Points of Interest 

A point within or near a population center of interest at each sector was selected based on the baseline 

visual accessibility and a new view simulation from this point towards the project was performed (Figure 

5.2.23). The impact’s severity will be conditioned by the visually affected surface extension and by the 

landscape character where the simulation is located. 



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First visual basin: La Florida de Huasmin 

A portion of the project’s facility such as the tailings storage facility located at the 

Toromacho and Alto Jadibamba sectors will be observed from this point of interest. 

Likewise, portions of the Perol and Chailhuagon will be observed although in a lesser 

degree due to the distance. Hence, the latter impact will not be significant. 

Second visual basin: Huasiyuc Jadibamba 

This visual was generated from the Huasiyuc School resulting in the fact that due to the 

location’s relief the landscape change will not be perceived. 

Third visual basin: Chugurmayo 

This population center was considered due to its importance and amount of inhabitants. 

Landscape changes will not be perceived from this point. 

Fourth visual basin: Agua Blanca 

The visual basin is limited within the sector’s natural barriers. A portion of the Perol’s upper 

portion and the Perol reservoir’s front portion can be observed due to the relief modification 

that will take place. 

Fifth visual basin: San Nicolas 

The relief interferes with the visibility towards several portions of this sector. However, the 

Chailhuagon reservoir, a portion of the Nº3 topsoil and the upper portion of the 

Chailhuagon pit at the Alto Chirimayo sector’s limit will be observed. 

Visual quality Evaluation 

This evaluation was performed considering the relief simulation in perspective which show the project’s 

view as it would be seen within the actual site’s context. This helps to visualize proposed modifications 

and compare baseline changes with the construction stage and baseline with the operation stage. 

The 3D scenario for the current and projected relief with the entire facility configuration is shown in Figure 

5.2.24 while Figures 5.2.25 and 5.2.26 model surfaces considering the evaluated sector. 

To complete the analysis landscape unit surfaces of each project facility at each evaluation sector were 

calculated (Table 5.2.9). Next, Chart 5.2.16 shows a summary of Table 5.2.36 and sector percentages. 



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Sector 

Area 

(ha) 

Chart 5.2.16 

Landscape Unit Surface Occupied by Facilities at Each Sector 

Bog 

Area occupied by facilities at each landscape unit (ha) 

Puna 

Grass/ 

Shrubs 

Scrubland Rocks 

Forest 

areas 

Farming 

areas 



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Subtotal 

Percentage 

(%) 

Toromacho 4168.1 0 2.2 169.1 5.7 0.1 16.0 193.2 4.6 

Alto 

Jadibamba 

4738 23.0 5.7 944.2 12.6 0 29.0 1 014.4 21.4 

Chugurmayo 1788.5 0 0.1 15.3 0.4 0 0.1 15.8 0.9 

Alto 

Chirimayo 

4561 71.9 2.1 451.6 7.8 0.6 14.6 548.6 12.0 

Chailhuagón 7303.1 7.8 14.2 138.8 2.6 0 31.8 195.2 2.7 

Total 

22,558. 

7 

102.7 24.3 1719.1 29.1 0.7 91.4 1967.3 

Impact per Sector 


The project’s components will occupy 4.6% of the sector (193.2 ha), mainly modifying scrubland and 

farming area units surrounding the Toromacho . 

Chart 5.2.17 includes the landscape’s visual valuation applying the USDA and BLM methodologies to the 

baseline condition and final condition (post-construction). 

Figure 5.2.27 shows current and projected scenarios for the Toromacho sector from an observer’s visual 

perception. 

Chart 5.2.17 

Landscape Affectation Resulting from the Construction Stage: 


Factor 

Visual quality analysis 

Baseline Construction 

Observation 

Relief 5 5 Maintains landscape of valley’s background. 

Vegetation 

formations 

3 3 Little reduction of scrubland vegetation coverage. 

Water presence 5 5 Water presence will be similar. 

Color 5 5 Color contrast is maintained. 

Scenic background 0 0 

The surroundings landscape does not have an 

influence of the set’s visual quality. 

Rarity 6 6 

The scarce landscape rarity is maintained 

(Mamacocha lake and outcroppings). 

Human interaction 2 0 

Human interaction is increased as consequence of 

earthworks and civil works. 

Score 26 24 - 

Class A A - 

Landscape quality High High -

Table 5.2.9 includes a construction activity impact analysis for the Toromacho sector. Magnitude was 

classified as low since no large landscape impacts are expected (quality stays high) from the facilities’ 

occupation. 

It must be pointed out that there is a visual accessibility restriction of the project’s areas within the sector 

from the Cabe La Florida de Huasmin hamlet due to the topographical configuration. The reduced 

accessibility to the construction activities at the Toromacho ’s slopes minimizes the changes that would 

be generated from the borrow areas. A portion of the tailings storage facility will also be observed from 

the sector’s point of interest although with less sharpness due to the distance and atmospheric conditions 

(for instance, fog). The impact’s final evaluation shows a low significance classification (Table 5.2.9). 

Factor 

Chart 5.2.18 

Landscape Affectation Resulting from the Operation Stage: 



Baseline Operation 

Relief 5 5 

Vegetation 

formations 

3 3 

Water presence 5 5 

Observation 

Despite topographical changes, this parameter refers 

to natural relief, hence the classification is 

maintained. 

The vegetation formation’s average contrast is 

maintained. 

Water bodies such as lakes and water mirrors are 

maintained. 

Color 5 5 The average color contrast is maintained. 


The scenic background will be modified at the Alto 

Jadibamba sector’s dividing line as consequence of 

the facilities’ occupation. 

Rarity 6 6 The landscape’s uniqueness is maintained. 

Human interaction 2 -2 

There are notorious relief changes: due to the 

tailings disposal at a portion of the Toromacho. An 

anthropic intervention is evident. 

Score 26 22 - 

Class A A - 

Landscape quality High High - 

The effect’s significance is low during the operation stage (Table 5.2.10) mainly due to the large relief 

change generated by the tailings disposal a the Toromacho . However, the area’s landscape quality is 

maintained as high since human interactions will not be very perceptible for the common observer and 

affectation will not generated at the sector’s areas of relative importance. Consequently, the impact’s 

final evaluation shows a significantly low score (Table 5.2.10). 


The Alto Jadibamba sector’s baseline study information that includes the upper and lower reservoir area, 

Nº 1 and Nº 2 topsoil stockpiles, concentrator plant, tailings storage facility, tailings dam, and Perol waste 

rock storage facility, among others, was used to calculate impacts on this sector. The project’s 

components will occupy 21.4% (1014.4 ha) of the sector, mainly modifying scrubland, farming, and bog 

landscape units at the sector’s mid and high portions. 



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Figure 5.2.28 shows current and projected scenarios for the Alto Jadibamba sector from an observer’s 

perspective. 

Factor 

Chart 5.2.19 





Relief 5 5 

Vegetation 

formations 


Color 5 3 


Rarity 6 2 


Observation 

Relief is maintained at the lower portion, while the 

remainder is slightly modified. 

3 3 The vegetation formation contrast is similar. 

Water bodies do not show significant changes 

except the Azul and Chica lakes. 

Contrast provided by the Azul and Chica lakes is 

lost and a brown tone is increased. 

The scenic background will no have variations due 

to the sector’s visual barriers. 

The landscape uniqueness is maintained at the 

lower portion. 

Human interaction will increase as consequence of 

earthworks and civil works. Hence, this factor is 

affected. 

Score 24 15 - 

Class A B - 

Landscape quality High Average - 

The impact’s final evaluation during the construction stage shows a low significance classification (Table 

5.2.9). 

Regarding the construction stage, the Perol waste rock storage facility and tailings storage facility’s 

design including the project’s facilities as configured towards the end of operations was used. Chart 

5.2.20 shows the visual quality scoring applying USDA and BLM methodologies along with the baseline 

condition and final condition (post-operation). 

Factor 

Chart 5.2.20 

Landscape affectation resulting from the operation stage: 




Relief 5 3 

Vegetation 

formations 

3 3 

Observation 

Relief is lost at the valley’s bottom, sector’s upper 

portion. 

Vegetation formations are maintained in over 60% of 

the sector. 



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Factor 




Color 5 3 


Rarity 6 2 


Observation 

An important water body is lost in the sector: the 

Azul lake. Furthermore, the Chica lake is lost, of 

lesser size and volume. 

The Azul and Chica lakes’ contrast is lost; artificial 

tones are increased. 

The scenic background will not suffer variations due 

to the sector’s visual barriers. 

The landscape’s uniqueness is maintained at the 

lower portion while it changes at the upper portion 

due the facilities’ locations, which is common to the 

region. 

Human interaction will increase as consequence of 

the project’s location. 

Score 24 10 - 

Class A C - 

Landscape quality High Low - 

The operation effect’s significance is very low mainly due to the relief change generated by the disposal 

of waste rock and tailings in the upper portions of the sector’s basins. This sector’s impact shows a low 

significance classification. 


This sector’s impacts were analyzed using the Chugurmayo sector’s baseline information where a portion 

of the Perol waste rock storage facility and Perol pit will be located modifying two small portions at the 

sector’s upper portion. The project’s components will occupy approximately 0.9% of the sector’s surface 

(15.8 ha) and mainly scrubland and rock areas will be modified. 

To obtain required consumables to calculate the effect’s significance (construction), the USDA and BLM 

landscape visual quality scoring method along with the baseline condition and final condition (postconstruction) 

was used. 

Considering the portion to be affected and the very restricted accessibility to potential observers it is 

considered that construction and operation baseline condition changes will be imperceptible. 

The construction effect significance is null (Table 5.2.9) since it does not show changes for this stage. 

Regarding the final classification, it will not be an impact. 

Regarding the operation stage, the impact’s final evaluation shows a very low significance classification 

(Table 5.2.10) due to the fact that the Perol waste rock storage facility modification will be negligible at the 

sector and the Perol pit will represent the loss of a portion of the visual barrier. 

Figure 5.2.29 shows current and projected scenarios for the Chugurmayo sector from an observer’s 

perspective. 


The baseline’s information was used to calculate the Alto Chirimayo sector’s impacts. The Perol pit and 

Chailhuagon waste rock storage facility will be located at this sector among other ancillary facilities. The 



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project’s components will occupy approximately 12% of the sector (548.6 ha), mainly modifying bog and 

farming units in the sector’s upper portion. 

Figure 5.2.30 shows current and projected scenarios for the Alton Chirimayo sector from an observer’s 

visual perception. 

Chart 5.2.21 shows the landscape visual rank applying the USDA and BLM methodologies along with 

baseline condition and final condition (post-construction). 

Factor 

Chart 5.2.21 





Relief 3 3 

Vegetation 

formations 

3 3 

Observation 

Impacts restricted to relief due to quarry material 

extraction, they do not constitute a drastic 

landscape change. 

There is a scrubland reduction mainly, but not 

significant in the area. 

Water presence 5 3 Water body modification: Perol lake. 

Color 3 3 


Rarity 1 1 


Tonality maintained at this sector. However, 

contrast provided by the Perol lake is lost and 

brown tone increases due to quarry operations. 

Scenic background will not suffer variations due 

to visual barriers present in the sector. 

Landscape’s uniqueness is maintained at the 

mid and lower portions. 

Human interaction increased due to earthworks, 

civil works, and camp occupation. 

Score 15 12 - 

Class B B - 

Landscape quality Average Average - 

Table 5.2.9 includes an Alto Chirimayo sector construction impact analysis. This will result in a final 

impact that can be classified as low significance. 

Chart 5.2.22 shows the landscape visual’s score applying USDA and BLM methodologies along with 

baseline condition and final condition (post-operation). 

Factor 

Chart 5.2.22 





Observation 



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Factor 



Relief 3 3 

Vegetation 

formations 

3 3 


Observation 

Relief modification at the sector’s upper portion due 

to the Perol pit and Chailhuagon waste rock storage 

facility occupation. 

There is a reduction of scrubland coverage, but not 

significant within the area. 

Presence of water reservoir will generate the 

presence of a water mirror. 

Color 3 3 Moderate color contrast is maintained. 


The scenic background will not show variations due 

to visual barriers present in the sector. 

Rarity 1 1 Landscape is common to the region. 


Human interaction is increased due to the growth of 

waste rock storage facility and pit ore mining. 

Score 15 11 - 

Class B C - 

Landscape quality Media Baja - 

Table 5.2.10 includes the Alto Chirmayo operation impact analysis. The final impact evaluation shows a 

low significance classification (Table 5.2.10), due to the affectation degree resulting from the pit and 

waste rock storage facility development. 


The baseline information was used to calculate the Chailhuagon sector’s impacts considering 

components to be developed in it (Chailhuagon pit, Chailhuagon sediment pond, and Nº 3 topsoil 

stockpile). The project’s facilities will cover 27% of the sector (195.2 ha), mainly modifying scrubland, 

farming, and puna grass landscape units at the sector’s upper portion. 

Figure 5.2.31 shows current and projected scenarios for the Chailhuagon sector from an observer’s visual 

perception. 

Chart 5.2.23 includes a landscape visual quality ranking applying the USDA and BLM methodologies 

along with the baseline condition and final condition (post-construction). 

Factor 

Chart 5.2.23 





Relief 3 3 

Vegetation 

formations 

3 3 

Observation 

The quarries’ location does not represent a 

landscape drastic change. 

Vegetation formations are maintained although 

there is small scrubland coverage reduction due to 



5-86

Factor 




earthworks. 

Color 3 3 Contrast is maintained. 


Observation 

Water bodies do not show significant changes 

except the reservoir which will increase the 

Chailhuagon lake’s size. 

Scenic background will not show variations due to 

visual barriers present in the sector. 

Rarity 1 1 The small landscape variation is maintained. 


Human interaction is increased due to earthworks, 

civil works. 

Score 15 13 - 

Class B B - 


Table 5.2.9 includes the Chailhuagon sector’s construction impact analysis resulting in a low significance 

impact. 

Chart 5.2.24 includes the landscape visual’s score applying USDA and BLM methodologies along with 

baseline condition and final condition (post-operation). 

Factor 

Chart 5.2.24 





Relief 3 3 

Vegetation 

formations 

3 3 

Observation 

Relief modification due to Chailhuagon pit’s location 

and additional works. 

There is a vegetation formation reduction that 

compared to the sector’s area is not significant. 

Water presence 5 5 No water body modifications are expected. 

Color 3 3 Moderate color contrast is maintained. 


Scenic background will not show variations due to 

visual barriers present in the sector. 

Rarity 1 1 Landscape is common to the area. 



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Factor 



Observation 

Human interaction 0 -4 Human interaction will increase due to pit’s growth. 

Score 15 11 - 

Class B C - 


Table 5.2.10 shows the Chailhuagon sector’s impact analysis for operation activities. The final impact 

evaluation shows a low significance classification (Table 5.2.10) mainly due to the degree of affectation 

resulting from the pit’s development. 


This subcomponent’s DAI and IAI included in Figure 5.2.32 for the construction and operation stages are 

presented based on Section 5.2.3.5’s criteria. 

5.2.4.13 Road Traffic 

Baseline Study’s Summary 

Conga project’s main internal road refers to the extension of the main access road (Pongo-Conga 

corridor) from the access main gate to the different project facilities. Internal secondary roads refer to 

internal roads used for internal hauling and transportation within the project area. These roads are not 

currently available. Hence, the road traffic impact evaluation for road traffic within the project’s area will 

be based on vehicle flow estimations related to project activities. It also includes vehicular flow resulting 

from project equipment, machinery, consumable, and staff hauling and transportation which is estimated 

in 100 daily vehicles throughout the project’s life. 

Methodology 

The methodology applied to determine traffic impacts included the following activities: 

Description of current conditions (Chapter 3). 


Review of final study to improve trafficability level at the Chilete – San Pablo –Rota 3N Crossroad (km 

25 Cajamarca – Bambamarca road) (Cesel S.A., 2007). 

Receptor Significance 

The subcomponent significance classification was performed considering the traffic level variation 

resulting from project development. Traffic is not a receptor per se although for this study’s purposes it is 

considered as such since it is part of the human interest component. 

The relative rarity criteria at the national level are not applicable to the evaluation’s environmental 

subcomponent since there are not conservation criteria and do not have a relative importance. Hence, 

the component’s baseline quality is the only applicable criteria classified as a factor of high buffering 

ability. Consequently, the Conga project’s main internal road final receptor and secondary internal roads 

were classified as moderate significance since the totality of these roads’ users will be MYSRL’s staff. 


Only impacts on equipment, machinery, consumable, and staff hauling and transportation to the area 

during the construction and operation stages within the project’s areas have been considered as part of 



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this analysis. The only impact generated by road traffic will be a traffic level variation. It must be pointed 

out that concentrate hauling impacts have not been considered since they are part of another study. 

Construction 

MYSRL will be responsible for staff transportation to work areas during the project’s construction stage. 

Transportation will have a daily frequency for staff from surrounding communities while transportation of 

staff from Cajamarca, Celendin, or Encañada will have a frequency based on the staff’s shift system. 

Additionally, equipment, machinery, and consumables will be hauled from the cities of Cajamarca, Trujillo, 

or Lima, and existing roads will be used. 

Consequently, it is considered that during the construction stage there will be an increase of vehicles 

circulating all internal roads (main and secondary). There will also be an increase of accident risks. 

These Conga Project impacts will be negative, being of minimal magnitude in the main internal road’s 

case and moderate magnitude in the secondary road’s case. The difference of impact magnitude is given 

by the amount of trips that will be performed being higher at secondary internal roads. Both receptors’ 

extension is very small and has a temporary time length. 

The final impact’s significance has been classified as very low for both roads. 

Operation 

Equipment, machinery, consumables, and staff will also be transported to work areas during the project’s 

operation. Similar to the construction stage, transportation of staff from surrounding communities will 

have a daily frequency and workers’ transportation from Cajamarca, Celendin or Encañada will be based 

on the staff’s shift rotation. In addition, equipment, machinery, and consumables will be hauled from the 

cities of Cajamarca, Trujillo or Lima using existing roads. 

An increase in the amount of vehicles using the main road and secondary internal roads is foreseen 

during the project’s operation stage. Staff, equipment, machinery, and consumable transportation and 

hauling impacts will be the same as the construction stage and will have a minimal magnitude on the 

main road and moderate magnitude on internal secondary roads. Time length for both receptors will be 

permanent (during the project’s life). 

As with the construction stage, impacts for the construction stage are estimated with a final classification 

of very low for both roads. 


Figure 5.2.33 includes this subcomponent’s DAI and IAI for the construction and operation stages based 

on Section 5.2.3.5’s criteria. 

5.2.4.14 Pongo-Conga Corridor 


Currently, there is not a complete baseline study for the Pongo-Conga corridor area. Hence, this impact 

evaluation will be performed only from a qualitative standpoint. There is sufficient information for some 

components to perform a more detailed analysis. However, due to the Ponga-Conga corridor’s proximity 

to the operations area and elevation and weather similarity of both areas, it is estimated that 

environmental conditions throughout the corridor are similar to all the components found in the operations 

area. Consequently, the following impact estimation will be performed under that assumption. It must be 

pointed out that MYSRL is committed to develop baseline studies for the entire Ponga-Conga corridor 

and the results will be included as part of this EIA’s files. 

The corridor’s weather is estimated to be similar to the operation area’s weather since local and regional 

stations were used for characterization purposes characterizing an area quite wide that includes this 

corridor. Additionally, the Ponga-Conga corridor is at elevations similar to the operation area’s elevation 

(3900 - 4100 m altitude) and shows similar topography. Based on this information, the biological 



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component is estimated as similar, with vegetation of high Andean characteristics. Similarly, acceptable 

air and noise quality levels and low vibration baseline levels are estimated due to a lack of emission 

sources. It is also estimated that soil and geology characteristics are similar based on the areas’ weather 

and elevation. Regarding surface water, characteristics of this component cannot be estimated since 

they belong to different basins to the basins estimated for the operation area. The corridor area’s 

landscape is considered to have similar topographical and vegetation coverage to the ones found in the 

operation’s area. Currently, the Ponga-Conga road has a vehicular traffic flow of low magnitude related 

to staff transportation to the Conga Project’s exploration area. 


It must be pointed out that concentrate hauling impacts have not been considered since they are part of 

another study. 

Construction 

The Pongo-Conga corridor construction stage includes earthworks activities, specifically civil works 

excavation, cutting, and filling activities. The new corridor will coincide 40% with a road used as access 

to the Ponga Conga area and surrounding communities requiring the construction of new sections of 

approximately 10.1 km, 22 m maximum width. Additionally, the entire corridor’s line is located within the 

property of MYSRL. 

The relief and geomorphology will be affected by construction activities required for the corridor’s location. 

According to the road’s line, it has been designed to result in the smallest modification possible and to 

coincide with existing portions, to the extent possible. Likewise, soils will be affected as a result of the 

new road section’s location with use and soil loss impacts. Due to the corridor’s extension, the amount 

and type of soil to be lost and mitigation measures (topsoil stockpiles) are considered as a low 

significance impact. 

The Pongo-Conga corridor’s location requires earthworks activities which will affect air quality due to a 

variation of particle concentrations. However, the activity’s magnitude is estimated as minimal and shortterm 

since the work plans constantly vary as works evolve. Additionally, road irrigation activities are 

included to reduce particle emissions. Gas emissions resulting from machinery activities are also 

estimated as low magnitude. Similarly, heavy machinery noise and vibration generation will be limited to 

work areas. Earthworks impacts for both components are estimated as very low significance and they do 

not exceed applicable environmental standards (taking as reference the operation area’s data) and they 

are far from sensitive receptors. Regarding eventual blasting activities, they are considered of low 

magnitude with small ANFO charges and generating air quality and noise and vibration level impacts. 

This impact is estimated as very low significance. 

Surface water will be affected by the temporary modification of the drainage system due to the corridor 

crossing several water courses. It must be pointed out that the design includes, as mitigation measures, 

minimizing the amount of cross roads by selecting locations in high areas and implementing structures to 

reestablish water flow (drains and spillways). It is not expected that water quality will be significantly 

affected due to the activities’ nature. Regarding groundwater, no activities associated with the corridor’s 

locations that generate quality or flow impacts are expected. However, due to the presence of bogs 

within the corridor’s area, subsurface flows may be affected once this bogs are affected. 

Regarding the biological component (flora and vegetation, land fauna, and aquatic life), impacts mainly 

due to habitat loss are expected. This is owed to the loss of vegetation coverage resulting from clearing 

activities for the new corridor sections. Due to the new sections’ dimensions (approximately 10.1 linear 

km and 22 m width), a moderate to low significance impact is estimated. This is due to the presence of 

bogs at some corridor sections. Additionally, potential adverse effects due to the fragmentation 

generated by clearing activities and habitat loss are estimated. However, a fragmentation generation 

cannot be asserted due to the lack of information on species present in the corridor area. Hence, the 



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impact’s significance cannot be estimated. Additionally, a fauna dispersion impact is estimated due to 

human and noise generating equipment, increase of traffic, and habitat loss. 

Regarding the social-cultural component, no impact on archeological remains resulting from construction 

activities is expected since before starting activities an archeological review for remains will be performed. 

Furthermore, an archeological remains absence certificate (CIRA in Spanish) for the entire corridor is 

available and the design of the corridor avoids archeological sites. Regarding the landscape 

subcomponent, an impact resulting from the alteration of visual quality is estimated. This is due to an 

increase of human presence and alteration of the area’s visual quality due to vegetation loss. However, 

considering the portion to be affected and observer accessibility, it is considered that baseline condition 

changes for the construction stage are very low. 

MYSRL will be responsible for staff transportation to work areas during the construction stage. 

Transportation will have a daily frequency for staff from surrounding communities while staff 

transportation from Cajamarca, Celendin, or Encañada will have a frequency based on the staff’s shift 

system. Additionally, equipment, machinery, and consumables will be hauled from the cities of 

Cajamarca, Trujillo, or Lima using existing roads. Therefore, it is considered that there will be an increase 

of vehicles circulating through the Pongo-Conga Corridor and the entire portion of the main access road, 

and an associated increased risk of accidents. These impacts will be negative and of minimal magnitude. 

Operation 

No geomorphological, relief, soil, surface water, groundwater, flora, vegetation, aquatic life, and 

archeological remain impacts are estimated. This is due to the nature of the activities to be performed 

which are restricted to the corridor’s boundaries. However, the remaining subcomponents will be affected 

due to an increase of traffic levels at the corridor. It is estimated that the IMDa will not exceed 100 

vehicles per day during the project’s life. 

It is expected that particle material and gas concentration will vary due to daily hauling and transportation 

of consumables, equipment, and machinery. As with the construction stage, the operation stage will 

employ water trucks to irrigate the corridor to reduce particle emissions. Such emission’s magnitude is 

estimated as low without significantly altering air quality. Likewise, noise and vibration levels resulting 

from vehicular flow only represent low significance impacts since no sensitive receptors are present in the 

corridor’s surrounding areas. 

Land fauna dispersion will continue during this stage due to the generation of noise and human presence 

(increase of traffic flow levels). The sensitivity of species present in the area will determine if dispersion 

will be temporary or permanent. Furthermore, the potential affectation of the biological component is 

considered in terms of habitat fragmentation. However, this consideration will be assessed in detail in 

posterior studies that will include more information about the species present in the corridor’s area. 

Landscape and road traffic will also be affected by an increase of vehicular flow throughout the corridor’s 

length. Landscape quality will be altered due to an increase of traffic flow levels. However, considering 

the portion to be affected and potential observation accessibility, operation baseline condition changes 

are considered very low. 

Traffic level will increase throughout the corridor’s length due to consumable, equipment, machinery, and 

staff hauling and transportation generating impacts of low significance. As with the construction stage, 

transportation will have a daily frequency for staff from the surrounding communities and transportation of 

workers from Cajamarca, Celendin, or Encañada will have a frequency based on the staff’s shift system. 

In addition, equipment, machinery, and consumables will be hauled from the cities of Cajamarca, Trujillo 

o Lima, using existing roads. 




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The Pongo-Conga’s area of influence is only defined for road traffic and this subcomponent’s DAI and IAI 

included in Figure 5.2.33 for the construction and operation stages are based on Section 5.2.3.5’s criteria. 

5.3 Socio-economic Impact Analysis 

5.3.1 Identification of Socio-economic Impacts 

Impact identification is the process through which all potential impacts that would be generated by the 

project during its different stages and at surrounding communities without a management plan are 

explained. This exercise is a core item of the impact analysis. The required information to complete this 

stage is collected from several sources, such as the project description, characterization of the population 

settled in the area, and professional specialized opinions on different social and environmental issues 

based on previous experience. 

A matrix analysis framework for each project stage (pre-construction, construction, and closure) was 

applied for impact identification purposes. This matrix identifies primary and secondary impacts (changes 

that arise from primary impacts) of activities and actions. Although impacts are identified through check 

matrices, a sequential Table is used to visualize the generation of primary and secondary impacts of the 

project’s activities and actions to simplify the description of each impact. 

The following four paragraphs include a foreseeable socio-economic impact analysis performed under a 

project scenario without the implementation of a management plan. Next, an impacted socio-economic 

analysis is performed to have an effect in other factors and orderly complete the initial information. 

5.3.1.1 Impact Identification per Project Stage, Activity, and Action 

A. Pre-Construction Stage 

Table 5.3.1 includes several activities, actions, and impacts for the pre-construction stage. Positive 

impacts derived from hiring services and purchasing land from the Caserios communities located within 

the Project Location’s Area (herein CAEP) are included. However, negative impacts resulting from land 

use changes, adaptation costs, social interaction of former owners and surroundings impacted due to the 

occupation of acquired land for the project are also included. In this sense, and as properly justified in 

Section 5.3.2, the mitigation plan for these impacts includes the application of a management plan for 

land acquisition from former owners. 

A.1 Activity: Procurement of Legal Permits, Miscellaneous Studies (for instance, engineering, 

environmental, socio-economic studies). 

This activity generates positive primary impacts due to the hiring of service companies increasing their 

level of income and employment plus workers and independent consultants. 

A.2 Activity: Land Acquisition 

Land acquisition includes the following three activities: purchasing and sale procedures, former owner’s 

relocation, and occupation of land acquired by MYSRL. At the primary level, the impact produced by land 

sales is positive for the former owners living in ten communities within the project’s location (CAEP), since 

they sell –on average- their lands at prices above market prices which generate a substantial increase of 

families’ incomes. However, the loss of their production of fixed assets (land and infrastructure) is 

considered a negative impact since in some cases it could represent their only source of sustenance . 

Likewise the project generates a positive impact due to land title acquisition of land that was under an 

anomalous status while families not selling their land are positively affected by an increase of property 

value. 

Property title acquisition for purchased land generates income for local governments through 

management fees required by these procedures and comprise impacts derived from this action. 

Furthermore, since the unsold land value increase creates income expectations due to the land sale at 

these ten communities, long term investment incentives for productive land improvement (agriculture or 

livestock) are reduced. 



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Land acquisitions also include former owner relocations from the CAEP. This action would result in 

negative primary impacts such as the eventual disruption of family networks and other social networks. 

An impact that could affect some of the families that decide to migrate to urban areas would be the risk of 

social detachment and isolation in their new surroundings. Likewise, relocation of families is considered 

as a positive impact due to the accessibility to education and health public services since the areas where 

the project area is located currently has limited availability of these services. Likewise, the most frequent 

migration areas for the former owners are urban areas, as first alternative, or rural areas near the 

location, as second alternative. 

The third action of this activity is MYSRL’s occupation of acquired land resulting in negative impacts. At 

the primary level, impacts consist of a reduction of farming activities resulting from less available land and 

natural pastures and bogs that could be used for grazing. Other primary impacts are the generation of 

expectations of work to be generated, social investments to be performed by MYSRL, and potential 

environmental impact perceptions associated with the project’s development. 

Land occupation impacts are also negative and they consist of a reduction of indirect employment 

generated by farming activities (shepherds and Mitayos). 

A.3 Activity: Road Implementation (new North-South and East-West roads) 

While implementing the roads that connect the project, the existing roads will be modified. Communities 

close to these roads will be affected in different ways: the villages close to the area where the project will 

be implemented and Santa Rosa de Huasmin on the North-South road will be negatively impacted as this 

road will be extended; the so-called ‘milk roads’ (Nº25 and Nº47) connecting some milk producing families 

at San Nicolas will also be affected, as will some private milking companies. Meanwhile, impact on the 

villages close to the East-West side of the road at the area where the project will be implemented and 

Santa Rosa de Huasmin will be positive, as this road will be shortened. 

However, the quality of both roads will be positively affected as they will be improved, increasing security 

for travelers and increasing life for vehicles. 

B. Construction Stage 

For the construction stage (Table 5.3.2) the analysis has identified positive and negative impacts. 

Positive effects are related to the hiring of local labor for construction, and local service companies. 

Negative impact is associated with the immigration of part of the workforce looking for jobs in the project 

and the risk of exaggerated employment expectations, as well as social investment and environmental 

impact. Mitigation actions for this scenario are associated with adequate communication and information 

strategies for the public. 

B.1 Activity: Procurement of Machinery, Equipment and Building Materials 

Impact from this activity depends on the origin of the goods acquired: national or imported. The primary 

effect, associated with imported goods, is considered positive, as revenues and employment levels for 

national importers and/or distributors increase. In the case of domestic purchases (goods produced in 

Peru) the positive impact stems from the increased revenues and employment rates generated for the 

producers of these goods. 

B.2 Activity: Managing Water Sources 

For this activity it is necessary for MYSRL to build and operate the Chailhuagón, Perol, Upper and Lower 

reservoirs to mitigate potential environmental impact and to supply mining operations. The Upper 

reservoir will be exclusively used for mining operations. 

Though the available level of fishing resources at the lakes should remain unchanged through the use of 

the reservoirs, it is possible that access to these resources could be limited by the new infrastructure and 

the location of the reservoirs, having a negative impact mainly on the villages with lakes containing trout 

(Agua Blanca, San Nicolas and Quengorío Alto). 



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The villagers from the Specific Study Area could also have misguided perceptions about the real impact 

on the quantity and quality of available water, and worry about the effects on their health and the 

agricultural production. 

On the positive side, reservoirs would be an improvement over water availability from the natural rain 

process, reducing the uncertainty of availability for the dry season, especially at the ten villages where the 

project will be implemented. 

B.3 Activity: Transportation of Building Materials and Related Goods 

Once access roads have been implemented, the traffic of vehicles transporting building materials and 

equipment will have a negative impact. Two main concerns are the increased risk of road blocks as 

social protest and a higher rate of car accidents due to increased traffic. 

B.4 Activity: Food Supply 

The project must buy agricultural produce, benefiting local producers, which has a positive impact on 

income, particularly for the agricultural producers who are closer to the area of the project, i.e., those 

located at the ten villages where the project will be implemented. There would also be a positive impact 

on local job generation that would reach the villages of the Specific Study Area. 

B.5 Activity: Development of Infrastructure 

This activity includes all development of project infrastructure that generates a significant socioeconomic 

impact, including hiring of the workforce and service companies. 

Local and external labor is differentiated for hiring purposes. Hiring local labor produces positive impacts 

from higher income and jobs created, particularly for the workers at the Specific Study Area, due to the 

demand for semi-qualified jobs. As part of the management plan, MYSRL will focus on hiring locally, with 

rotation schemes that will allow the best possible job offering coverage. At the same time, the higher 

availability of jobs for locals helps mitigate migratory inflows from others looking for work outside their 

towns. The negative effects could come from exaggerated expectations related to job availability at the 

project and the problems derived from occupational reinsertion once construction works are finished. 

We can also mention the positive impact from the higher purchasing power for locals: improved local 

economic activity that also provides higher income for businesses. The same positive situation could be 

seen at Cajamarca, the nearest city, as provider of more sophisticated goods and services that will be on 

demand. Higher income for workers also leads to a return to school and, hence, the inhabitants at the 

Specific Study Area could be motivated to seek better education. On the negative side, scarcity of labor 

generates higher costs to hire workers for non-mining economic activities. 

Hiring external labor has positive impacts related to higher income and employment generation. Mobility 

for people is also considered as a positive, as it leads migrant workers back to the towns to cover jobs at 

the project, while also reestablishing family and community ties, and sharing acquired knowledge and 

experiences. The higher number of people could have a negative effect if the price of basic goods goes 

up, and there is also the possibility of cultural conflicts derived from the introduction of lifestyles that are 

foreign to the community and could impact the sensation of well-being for the locals. 

Thirdly, both local and external companies will be hired to provide diverse services. The hiring of local 

companies generates a positive impact as income and employment at the Specific Study Area go up. The 

improved income level for these workers is also considered, as these opportunities represent substantial 

improvements to their usual employment alternatives. Similar impacts are generated when other national 

companies are hired, though the effect is less concentrated. 



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Finally, the dispersion of particles and the noise from the project could lead people to think agriculture will 

be negatively affected at some nearby villages. It is also at this stage that exaggerated expectations start 

to be generated regarding social investments by MYSRL. 

C. Operation Stage 

The analysis of socioeconomic impact for the operation stage (Table 5.3.3) has identified positive and 

negative factors, the former related to the purchase of machinery and equipment, food supply, job and 

income generation, hiring service companies and tax collection. The latter are associated with 

exaggerated work and social investment expectations, perceptions of environmental impact, the effect of 

migrations and the potential conflicts from the distribution of resources collected from MYSRL by the 

State. 

C.1 Activity: Acquisition of Machinery and Equipment 

All acquisitions by MYSRL during operations are considered similar to the “Procurement of machinery, 

equipment and building materials” activities described in paragraph B.1, and this activity will have a 

similar impact, though section 5.3.2 shows the differences in magnitude, recurrence and continuance of 

the effect between both stages. 

C.2 Activity: Managing Water Resources 

This activity includes operations at the Chailhuagón, Perol, Upper and Lower reservoirs built by MYSRL 

to mitigate possible effects and to supply the mining process, which is exclusively covered by the Upper 

reservoir. The same social effects affecting the activity described in paragraph B.2 “Managing water 

sources” could affect the construction stage and be extended to the operation stage. 

C.3 Activity: Transportation of Ore, Chemical Products and Other Supplies 

The activities of transporting ore, chemical products and other supplies to carry out operations have a 

similar effect to those identified in paragraph B.3 “Transportation of building materials and related goods”. 

Section 5.3.2 shows the differences in magnitude, recurrence and continuance of the impact between 

both stages. 

C.4 Activity: Food Supply 

The purchase program for agricultural produce by MYSRL remains unchanged during the operation stage 

and generates the same impact described in paragraph B.4, also titled “Food supply”. Section 5.3.2 

considers variations on the demand for food between one stage and the other. 

C.5 Activity: Operations 

The phase of operations includes actions with similar impacts to those described in paragraph B.5 

“Development of infrastructure”, which implies training and hiring local and external labor and service 

companies. Section 5.3.2 highlights the differences in magnitude, recurrence and continuance of the 

impacts identified in both stages. 

Also, MYSRL is obliged to pay royalties from the mining operations, which are distributed to local, 

regional and national governments. Having a higher income could lead to exaggerated expectations of 

investment in infrastructure and social development by the government, and possible tensions between 

districts and provinces depending on whether they receive income from the operation or not. 

C.6 Activity: Commercialization 

When it comes to the commercial activities by MYSRL, the most important aspect for the socioeconomic 

analysis is tax payments to the State. A positive primary impact is generated by increased income for 

national, regional and local budgets derived from royalties. However, in the realm of derived effects, the 

more available resources become, more pressure from the community to the regional and local 

governments is present to carry out infrastructure works and social development plans. There could also 

be tensions between the provinces of Cajamarca and Celendin for distribution of income. 



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Also, income from MYSRL could create exaggerated expectations about future social investments. 

D. Closing Stage 

Table 5.3.4 shows the results from the socioeconomic analysis and the evaluation for the closing stage, 

which generates positive and negative effects. Positive impact is related to the hiring of specialized 

companies and generation of jobs for the closing stage, while the negative side relates to the reduced 

number of available jobs and decreased commercial activity in the city of Cajamarca. Hence, the 

management plan must deal with the occupational reinsertion problem former workers will face. 

D.1 Activity: Closing, Dismantling and Transporting Equipment 

Local and external service companies are hired for the closing stage. The hiring of specialized service 

providers (not to be found locally) for dismantling, security and logistics services, and for other activities 

generate an increased income for these companies and better employment rates for the region, which are 

positive. Hiring local companies also generates better employment rates for workers at the Specific Study 

Area. The improved income level for these workers is also factored in, as these work opportunities 

represent substantial improvements over their usual employment alternatives. 

The dismantling and transfer of materials during these operations could generate the idea that the project 

is leaving environmental waste behind. 

D.2 Activity: Closing of Operations 

Closing operations involve two actions with negative effects: firing workers and ending contracts with local 

service companies. The primary impact of the first effect is reduced income for workers of the project and 

possible occupational reinsertion problems. Economic activity in Cajamarca will also decrease, which 

could lead to a feeling of uncertainty about future work for former workers. 

The termination of contracts with local service companies negatively affects income and could generate 

occupational reinsertion problems for workers from the Specific Study Area. Economic activity at 

Cajamarca is reduced as this is where companies procure supplies and where workers get more 

sophisticated goods. 

D.3 Activity: Water Management 

This is related to the treatment of water reservoirs after the project has been closed. Through initiatives 

such as a community trust, the benefits from operating these reservoirs can be extended and even 

increased after the project has closed. Benefits would be the same as described in paragraph B.2, 

“Managing water resources”. 

5.3.1.2 Impacts According to the Components and Sub-components of the Affected Socioeconomic 

Environment 

A. Social Component 

As seen in Table 5.3.5, socioeconomic impact is concentrated at the pre-construction stage, due to the 

transformation of the environment associated with the arrival of the Conga Project to the community. 

Also, the only sub-components that are positively impacted are education and health, as more people 

return to school due to better employment rates and improved possibility to access public education by 

former land owners. 

The places most affected, both positively and negatively, by socioeconomic elements are the villages 

from the Specific Study Area, and particularly the villages where the project will be implemented and 

Santa Rosa de Huasmin. 

B. Economic Component 

Economic impact is (Table 5.3.6) mainly concentrated at the construction and operation stages mostly 

because of better employment opportunities and better income from both stages. These benefits derive 

from hiring local labor and companies, as well as generation of indirect employment and improved 



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economic activity generated at nearby geographic zones. The stronger negative impact on the economy 

comes from a deteriorated agricultural activity, as there will be less land and less labor available for 

agriculture, as well as fewer incentives to invest in land. 

These elements affect receptors at all levels; however, it is the villages at the area where the project is 

located that are mostly positively and negatively affected, while in some cases impacts extend to all the 

Specific Study Area. 

C. Psychosocial Component 

The psychosocial impact (Table 5.3.7) does not necessarily correspond to the objective perception of the 

reality by the community, but rather to the desires or fears that must be mitigated through a Social 

Communication Plan, information campaigns and the participation of the community in the design and 

execution of the Social and Environmental Community Monitoring Plan. 

Expectations are considered as a sub-component related to exaggerated hopes of the community 

regarding benefits such as employment and social investments. These are considered 'exaggerated 

expectations' as they go well beyond what is plausible and reasonable. The sub-component of 

perceptions includes the effect of fear for one's health and agricultural performance due to alterations in 

the environment related to water, dust and noise. This sub-component also considers the sensation of 

work uncertainty for former workers during the closing stage. 

D. Social Element Derived from the Environmental Component 

This component (Table 5.3.8) includes the social impact from residual environmental effects; i.e., after the 

Environmental Management Plan has been applied. 

Negative impact, without the application of a management plan, stems from a reduction in environmental 

elements that are important to society and the economy (for example, natural grazing grounds and bogs) 

due to changes in the use of land and the possible lack of access to fishing resources derived from the 

relocation of trout. Meanwhile, positive impact comes from reduced uncertainty about water availability 

due to operation of reservoirs. Notably, residual impact will be expressed in terms of effectiveness, 

according to the Environmental Management Plan. 

E. Political Element 

The political component (Table 5.3.9) involves two instances of negative impacts: possible conflicts 

between local governments motivated by the distribution of resources from mining and royalties. This 

should be handled by the Plan of Social Communication, which should keep the community adequately 

informed about the regulations around resource allocation. 

5.3.2 Evaluation and Rating of Socioeconomic Impact 

After identifying possible impacts from the Conga Project, they are individually assessed and considered 

for the whole project. This process uses information systematically to obtain valid and reliable results 

(Cohen and Franco, 2003). This information comes from four sources: (1) the area of influence of the 

project, including the current characteristics of the population living in this territory; (2) qualitative and 

quantitative information from statistics; (3) previous studies from projects carried out in similar social and 

environmental scenarios or contexts, and (4) the thorough analysis by a multidisciplinary team of 

professionals that quantifies, as much as possible, the social and economic magnitude of the impacts that 

have been identified. 

The evaluation process considers two scenarios: one without any measures to manage social impact and 

another one applied after they have been included. In the second case, residual impacts reflect the 

effects derived from the implementation of the Social Impact Management Plan (Section 7.3.1). These 

measures are aimed at mitigating or strengthening (negative or positive) the impacts identified in the 

stages of pre-construction, construction and operation. Impact management at the closing stage involves 

an additional plan, the Conceptual Social Closing Plan (Appendix 10.4). For purposes of evaluation and 



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ating of the impacts described in this chapter, the measures proposed by the plan to manage impact 

have been added. 

Evaluation of scenarios with and without impact management measures will be carried out through the 

analysis of three basic dimensions: direction, intensity and extent. Each dimension is addressed through 

specific criteria adapted from the methodology used to assess environmental impact according to Conesa 

(1997) and expanded to better reflect the nature of socioeconomic impact. 

The first dimension, direction, reflects whether the changes have been beneficial or damaging for the 

individual. The second dimension, intensity, can be defined by four criteria: magnitude of change in 

relation to the previous situation; vulnerability of the receptor; continuance of impact through time, and 

recurrence or frequency. Extent is assessed in terms of the possible geographic and population scope for 

the impact. 

The results of the evaluation in a scenario with impact management measures, or residual impacts, are 

then rated by applying preset thresholds in three levels: low, moderate and high. This makes it possible to 

carry out an individual evaluation for each projected impact, and a global evaluation for the whole project. 

In this case, considering the multidimensional nature of well-being mentioned at the beginning of the 

chapter, there will be an individual and global evaluation, as well as an evaluation of socioeconomic 

components: social, political, psychosocial and social derived from the environmental component. Also, 

factoring in that every impact does not affect all receptors in the same way, there will also be an 

evaluation for affected receptors, which will consider the village as the main unit under analysis. Results 

for this evaluation will help to define the Direct Influence Area for the project. 

The matrix with the final evaluation and rating for each residual impact of the project can be seen in Table 

5.3.10, while the details of the whole analysis are in Appendix 5.7, Evaluation and Rating of Social 

Impact. This evaluation shows in detail the values that form each of the evaluation criteria mentioned 

above. 

Below, the analysis of the evaluation and rating of residual impacts, according to socioeconomic 

component and receptor: 

5.3.2.1 Evaluation and rating of Impact per Affected Socioeconomic Component and Subcomponent 

The effects of implementation of management measures on the magnitude of the impact for each 

component and the final effect of the project are measured by comparing the scenarios with and without 

these measures. These comparisons are qualitative and quantitative; the latter show the relative 

magnitude of the change by looking at percentage variations, which are easy to understand and 

represent a more objective interpretation than the one based only on absolute magnitude. 

First, we observe the global effect of the impacts on each component for both scenarios. Then, it is 

determined which sub-components had a stronger influence over this global effect, and which are the 

most important impacts for each sub-component. In this case, relevance derives from the final magnitude 

of the impact, which includes all three dimensions of the evaluation: intensity, extent and direction. 

The differences between both scenarios are justified by brief explanations on how impact management 

measures help reduce or mitigate negative impacts, or strengthen positive effects. More details on impact 

management measures are found in the Social Impact Management Plan (Section 7.3.1). 

Notably, for all cases, the evaluation of scenarios with impact management measures is done after a 

realistic analysis of the effectiveness that management measures had on achieving different goals. 

Therefore, the results shown (changes on magnitude of impacts) are those most likely to occur. 



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Below, Chart 5.3.1 shows the importance or relevance positive and negative impacts from each 

component could have on the final result of the positive and negative impact of the Conga Project. 

Meanwhile, Chart 5.3.2 summarizes the evaluation and rating of the impact according to socioeconomic 

component and sub-components, as well as the magnitude of the change derived from the application of 

impact management measures. 

In the second case, considering the goals of socioeconomic impact management measures (reducing 

negative impacts and strengthening positive impacts), percentage changes are interpreted as follows: 

negative change (expressed in percentage variations) indicates a reduced negative impact of the 

analyzed component or sub-component, while a positive change reflects an increased positive impact of 

the assessed component or sub-component. 

Chart 5.3.1 

Share of Socioeconomic Components Over Total Impact of Conga Project 

Components 

No impact management 

measures 

Positive Negative 

Impact Impact 



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With impact management 

measures 

Positive Negative 

Impact Impact 

Social element 13% 23% 12% 28% 

Economic component 85% 32% 86% 47% 

Psychosocial component 0% 40% 0% 19% 

Social element derived from the 

environmental element 

2% 2% 3% 2% 

Political component 0% 3% 0% 5% 

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 

Chart 5.3.2 

Evaluation and Rating According to Component and Sub-components 

Component Sub-component 

Social 

element 

Economic 

component 

Road 

communication 

Education and 

health 

Before mitigating 

measures 

After mitigating 

measures 

% 

Variation 

Moderate negative impact Moderate negative impact -40% 

Moderate positive impact Moderate positive impact 0% 

Social networks Low positive impact Low positive impact 10% 

Culture Moderate negative impact Moderate negative impact -20% 

Security Moderate negative impact Low negative impact -40% 

Total High negative impact Moderate negative impact -60% 

Income High positive impact High positive impact 20% 

Employment High positive impact High positive impact 20% 

Prices High negative impact High negative impact 0% 

Agricultural 

production 

Moderate negative impact Low negative impact -10% 

Economic Activity Moderate positive impact Moderate positive impact 0%

Component Sub-component 

Before mitigating 

measures 

After mitigating 

measures 

% 

Variation 

Property Rights Low positive impact Low positive impact 0% 

Psychosocial 

component 

Social 

element 

derived from 

the 

environmental 

element 

Political 

component 

Total 

Total High positive impact High positive impact 30% 

Expectations High negative impact Moderate negative impact -80% 

Perceptions High negative impact Moderate negative impact -40% 

Total High negative impact High negative impact -70% 

Socially and 

economically 

relevant natural 

products 

Low negative impact Low negative impact -40% 

Water Low positive impact Low positive impact 20% 

Total Low positive impact Low positive impact 160% 

Conflicts Low negative impact Low negative impact 0% 

Total Low negative impact Low negative impact 0% 

Low positive 

impact 

High positive impact 2 650% 

After assessing and rating the above information, we can conclude that the Conga Project will have a low 

global positive impact. However, 'positive impact' does not translate into an even impact on all 

socioeconomic components, sub-components, receptors and stages of the project. Social, psychosocial 

and political components show negative net impacts and though the rest of the components show positive 

impacts, related sub-components also show heterogeneous results; hence the need to implement a 

Social Impact Management Plan (Section 7.3.1). The impact management measures described in this 

plan increase magnitude of global positive impact from the project from low to high and, moreover, they 

help reduce heterogeneous results for each of the socioeconomic components, significantly reducing the 

magnitude of negative impacts on each of the sub-components and strengthening the positive impacts 

found. 

Below, a detailed description of the impacts related to the project, grouped by socioeconomic component. 

This section will be more focused on the way impact management measures contribute to improving 

conditions for each of the socioeconomic sub-components analyzed. Also, any changes will be quantified 

in order to determine which are the most influential sub-components over the final impact from the 

project. 

Social Component 

Social elements have a moderate contribution to the results of the Conga Project. Both aggregate positive 

and negative impacts have an influence below 30% on the final result after adding the impact 

management measures. Specifically, positive elements weigh 12% on the positive aggregate impact from 

the Conga Project; while negative elements weigh 28% on aggregate negative impact for the project. For 

both positive and negative impacts, the social element is second in importance to the five components 

that form the foreseeable impacts from the Conga Project (Chart 5.3.1). 

While assessing the impact of social elements in a scenario with impact management measures 

compared to a scenario with no management measures net impact magnitude for this component varies 

by 60% (Chart 5.3.2), going from a scenario with a high net or aggregate negative impact to one with a 

moderate negative net impact. 

This result is mainly explained by the effects of impact management measures on the following subcomponents, 

according to priority: road safety, road communication, culture and social networks. The 



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education and health sub-component, which has a positive aggregate impact, is not influenced by any 

impact management measure. 

Below, a description of every sub-component, emphasizing those that experience the biggest changes 

after adding the impact management measures: 

Road Safety 

In the case of this sub-component, the impact management measure to be added is the implementation 

of a Road Safety Plan, aimed at reducing the risk of car accidents and traffic jams, which goes up 

especially during the stages of construction and operation due to the higher traffic of vehicles transporting 

building materials and other related goods. 

In general, the plan provides guidelines for the personnel at the Conga Project that are in charge of 

transportation vehicles. These guidelines include: yielding (preference of one driver over another to 

continue driving), restricted times for circulation of heavy vehicles, loss prevention measures and a 

system with corrective measures and sanctions. 

The effects of implementation of the plan make the road safety sub-component go from a scenario of 

moderate negative net impact to one of low negative net impact. The magnitude of this change reaches a 

40% variation for the resulting net impact in a scenario with no mitigating measures. 

Road Communication 

Communication roads for the project are implemented during the pre-construction stage, which implies 

dismantling roads used by the locals. These works would interrupt traffic for the so-called milk roads Nº47 

(Gloria) and Nº25 (Nestle). Consequently, the milk-producing families will see their income negatively 

affected, and could be forced to seek a new activity. 

The modifications to the roads that are required for the project will affect two directions: North to South, 

and East to West. The sections that will be interrupted are: (1) cuts in the rural Agua Blanca – San 

Nicolas road to Cajamarca; (2) cuts in the Agua Blanca – San Nicolas section going to Quengorío Alto, 

Namococha and Lagunas de Combayo, and (3) cuts in the Agua Blanca - Quengorío Alto – Piedra 

Redonda road going to Santa Rosa de Huasmin. The first section is used frequently, while the others are 

not heavily used. 

The impact management measure applied to mitigate the reduced access to local roads and ways, as 

well as the disassembling of local roads, is the construction of two highways: the new North-South and 

East-West highways. The first highway would join the villages of Santa Rosa and San Nicolas through a 

longer section, so the resulting residual impact is negative. However, impact would be low for the villages 

inside and close to the area where the project is located as well as for the milk companies and the village 

of San Nicolas, particularly, since the milk roads affected could be recovered through this new road 

section. 

Unlike the road that goes from North to South, the one that goes from East to West will generate a low 

residual positive impact, as works will shorten the road, and hence the time needed for travelling between 

the villages of Agua Blanca and San Nicolas. 

The Road Safety Plan also influences this sub-component. During the construction and operation stages, 

transportation of building materials increases traffic (trucks from the Conga Project and providers). This 

leads to a higher risk of road blocks that is mitigated by implementing this plan. The final effect is a 

reduction in the magnitude of the negative impact from moderate to low. 

The effects of the construction of these two highways, as well as the implementation of the Road Safety 

Plan reduce the net impact of the road communication sub-component by 40%; though the negative net 

impact is still moderate (Chart 5.3.2). However, it should be noted that this estimate is conservative, 



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ecause if the condition of the roads has a higher effect on the times needed to travel, the positive impact 

could be higher. 

Culture 

Cultural conflicts generated by the arrival of people connected to the project, with different lifestyles to 

those of the influence area will be mitigated with the implementation of two impact management 

measures: a code of conduct and a policy to promote local culture and traditions. 

The code applies to all workers of the Conga Project, including contractors and consultants located in the 

Specific Study Area. This code includes five basic rules: security rules; rules to relate to other people; 

traffic rules; rules to relate to communities, and rules to relate to the environment. These rules are aimed 

to promote a cooperative and good neighbor relationship with the communities of the area affected by the 

project, where trust and mutual respect are paramount. The policy to promote local culture and customs 

seeks to strengthen the value of local traditions (dance, folklore, artistic expressions, among others), 

history and other cultural heritage of communities in the Specific Study Area. These mitigating measures 

are complementary and lead to a better coexistence between inhabitants of the Specific Study Area and 

project personnel. 

The effects of these measures on the culture sub-component lead to a 20% reduction in the negative net 

impact or a scenario with no impact management measures. Despite this variation, however, the final net 

impact from this sub-component, after adding mitigating measures is still moderately negative, because 

even if the change in initial conditions is low for receptors, the net impact has a persistent, constant 

nature that will remain for over 10 years. 

Social Networks 

In the case of the social networks sub-component, net impact is low positive, even without adding the 

respective mitigating measures. This is due to positive effects stemming from reduced emigration and the 

return of migrating workers for the construction and operation stages. These effects are motivated by the 

hiring of local labor to develop infrastructure for the project. 

The negative impacts from this sub-component that require mitigating measures are concentrated in the 

pre-construction stage and derive from the relocation process for families that sell properties located in 

the area where the project will be implemented. These negative impacts are the break-up of social 

networks and family relationships, and the risk of social withdrawal and isolation. For both cases, the 

mitigating measure is included in the Social Support Program for the Acquisition of Land (Programa de 

Apoyo Social por Adquisición de Tierras - PASAT), which establishes social support programs that 

facilitate the social participation of the former land owners. The final positive net impact for this subcomponent 

increases 10% after mitigation measures have been applied. 

Education and Health 

The sub-component of education and health receives no impact management measure as its net impact 

is considered moderately positive and it features two low magnitude positive impacts: possible better 

access to public health and education services and higher return rates to schools. 

The first impact is present in the pre-construction stage and it affects families in the area where the 

project is located. After these families sell their property, they will have to go to places with at least the 

same conditions to access public education and health services because the area of the project does not 

have these kinds of public facilities. Hence, after relocation, closeness of former owners to this type of 

infrastructure must be, at least, the same as it was before they sold their land. 

As it is not possible to ensure people will move to a place with better access or closeness to these 

facilities, positive impact is low. However, if this change is favorable, its effects would be felt for more than 

ten years. 



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The second impact is return to schools, and it is seen at the construction and operation stages. For both 

stages, this impact derives from an increased hiring of local and external labor to build infrastructure. In 

general, when labor is hired, wages for productivity are higher for those with a better education level. 

Finally, the dimension of impacts for each social element differs for each stage of the project, with the 

construction and operation stages feeling the highest negative impacts, even after the mentioned impact 

management measures have been implemented. Impact management measures reduce the negative net 

impact by 60% for both stages. 

Economic Component 

The economic component is the most important of the five under analysis, as its influence on the final net 

impact for the project is the highest for scenarios with and without impact management measures. 

Factoring in only the positive impacts, the final contribution of these impacts on the aggregate positive 

residual impacts for the Conga Project reaches 86%. Meanwhile, inclusion of negative impacts on the 

residual negative impacts for the project is 47% (Chart 5.3.1). 

Evaluation of impacts from the economic component shows a high positive net impact, and in most 

cases, impact management measures are aimed at strengthening effects of positive impacts on this 

component. Adding these measures increases the magnitude of the net impact generated in a scenario 

with no impact management measures by 30%. So, for scenarios with or without mitigating measures, the 

rating for the net impact for this component is high positive. 

The sub-components that change the most after impact management measures have been added are: 

income, employment and agricultural production. The three remaining sub-components, prices, economic 

activity and property rights, are not significantly influenced by any impact management measure. In the 

first case, because it is not possible to intervene in the normal evolution of prices, which are 

fundamentally set by the market, and on the other cases, because the resulting impacts are positive and 

do not require any impact management measures. 

Below, a description of the evaluation and rating of each sub-component: 

Income 

Of all the sub-components from the economic element, the income sub-component is the most affected, 

after the impact management measures have been added (20%). Without these impact measures, 

however, its impact is still high positive. 

This sub-component has the strongest influence on the net impact of the project, compared to the five 

components under analysis, both in scenarios with and without impact management measures. 

Impact from the sub-component follows two directions: a positive one, from the increase in income for 

different receptors; and a negative one, from reduction in income (not necessarily for the same 

receptors). 

Regarding income increases, the impacts with the highest magnitude are, in descending order: increase 

in local, regional and national taxes; higher salaries for local labor; higher profits for the different local 

service companies hired by MYSRL, and higher income for the former owners of land purchased by the 

project. 

The higher local, regional and national budgets derive from the payment of mining cannon and royalties. 

The cannon includes 50% of income tax paid by the mining company, while royalties are determined 

depending on the value of the concentrate, according to international prices. 

In the case of the Conga Project, royalty payments for the life of the project are estimated at around 

US$350 to US$360 million, while the mining cannon is estimated at around US$500 and US$650 million . 



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Notably, the project will start generating royalties in 2015 and mining cannon in 2016. Both concepts 

generate a moderate positive net impact. 

Though payment from these considerations does not require impact management measures since it 

represents a positive impact, the company has set up the Strengthening of Investment Project Design 

and Management for Local Governments as a way to promote efficient use of these resources. 

This project is aimed at promoting the efficient use of resources from the mining cannon and royalties. To 

achieve this, local, provincial and regional governments are trained on techniques to create projects, 

participative budgets, budget management, Integrated Financial Management System (Sistema Integrado 

de Administración Financiera - SIAF), Public Investment National System (Sistema Nacional de Inversión 

Pública - SNIP), among others. Regarding increased salaries for local labor, the management measure 

that strengthens this impact is the Training and Local Employment Plan (Plan de Capacitación y Empleo 

Local - PCEL). This plan promotes hiring local labor in the Specific Study Area and provides an extensive 

training program in mining and non-mining activities. Both actions result in increased productivity for 

workers and, consequently, higher salaries. 

The third most important positive impact from the income sub-component is generated in increased profits 

for local companies. During the construction, operation and closing stages, MYSRL hires local companies 

to provide transportation for debris, as well as engineering projects, maintenance, and others. However, 

to strengthen the positive impact on income for these companies, a policy has been established to 

prioritize hiring local companies that comply with the technical, commercial and safety requirements of 

MYSRL. This is the policy for local purchases and hiring, which represents an impact management 

measure. This policy includes key actions to achieve better performance by the companies; notably: 

monitoring of work taxes and contractual performance by the companies hired; establishing a control and 

supervision schedule for contractors (payment, insurance, debt, pending items, among others); and 

implementation of a support program for small companies. 

The fourth relevant positive impact for the sub-component comes from increased income for former 

owners of land sold to MYSRL. This impact is fostered through the Social Support Program for the 

Acquisition of Land (PASAT). 

Execution of all the impact management measures described maximizes positive impacts on income by 

20%. The Training and Local Employment Plan (PCEL) and the Policy of Local Purchases and Hiring are 

the most influential measures. 

Income reduction leads to two kinds of impact: income for the workers is reduced at the closing stage of 

the project, and lower income for local companies, also at the closing stage. Of the two, the first is the 

most important, though moderate, even after the corresponding impact management measure has been 

applied. 

This measure is the Training and Local Employment Plan (PCEL) described above, which includes the 

concept of occupational reinsertion. This impact management measure, as well as others associated with 

the closing of the project, is described in detail in the Conceptual Social Closing Plan (Appendix 10.4). 

In the case of local companies, closing of operations for the project translates into the ending of contracts 

for transportation services, engineering projects and maintenance. This implies a considerable 

contraction in income. Mitigation of this negative impact is provided through specific training and the 

alternative work and sustainable development programs that are included in the Policy of Local 

Purchases and Hiring. 

This specific training is linked to the improvement of management for local companies, which will be 

trained in managing accounting and hiring, as well as tax, labor and legal issues. Alternative work and 

sustainable development programs are aimed at looking for profitable working opportunities in activities 



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elated to the project. Both mitigation strategies reduce the vulnerability of local companies and make the 

negative impact on income less harmful. 

Both the Training and Local Employment Plan (PCEL) and the Policy of Local Purchases and Hiring 

mitigate the negative effects on income by 20%. 

Employment 

The employment sub-component has a high positive net impact; when incorporating the impact 

management measures, this result increases by 20%. 

Essentially, the impact management measures that affect this sub-component are: the recovery of natural 

grazing grounds, the Policy of Local Purchases and Hiring and the Training and Local Employment Plan 

(PCEL). The first measure is implemented at the pre-construction stage and it relates to the possible loss 

of jobs for shepherds whose productive activity is based on the land that will house the project. This 

foreseeable impact is not considerable, as its effects are felt only once and continuance does not go over 

five years; since the area where the affected group is located is reduced, the recurrence, continuance and 

(geographic) magnitude criteria are low. Nevertheless, impact management measures include recovery of 

natural grazing grounds at the area where the project is located, which will reduce the negative impact for 

this group almost to zero, as they can use the recovered grazing grounds. 

The following two impact management measures strengthen positive impacts on local employment rates, 

especially at the construction and operation stages. For the closing stage, its importance lies in mitigating 

the negative impacts from MYSRL closing operations, when the contracts with local workers and 

companies will be terminated. 

As it was explained in the income sub-component section, the Training and Local Employment Plan 

(PCEL) favors hiring local labor at the Specific Study Area for the Conga Project, but it also includes the 

concept of occupational reinsertion, facilitating the migration to other productive activities or searching for 

other jobs. In any case, the Policy of Local Purchases and Hiring includes programs for alternative jobs 

and sustainable development that make local companies less reliant on the Conga Project, so the labor 

working at these companies is less exposed to losing their jobs. 

Prices 

Prices suffer both positive and negative effects. Negative effects include the price increase for basic 

products and labor. The first stems from the higher purchasing power of workers in the project and the 

second derives from an increased demand for labor. 

In the case of the pre-construction stage, the positive impact originates from the increase in the value of 

land at the Specific Study Area of the project, in hopes of selling it to MYSRL. 

Net impacts from this concept are high. However, MYSRL will not implement any impact management 

measures as it is not possible to influence the normal evolution of prices that are determined by market 

demand. 

Agricultural Production 

This sub-component derives a moderate negative net impact that is reduced by 10% with the 

implementation of impact management measures to a low level. 

Negative impact from this sub-component is low and centered in the pre-construction stage. The most 

relevant, after adding the impact management measures, are reduced agricultural activity at the area 

where the project is located and loss of fixed production assets for the former owners of the land. 



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Only this last situation is countered by the impact management measure, the Social Support Program for 

the Acquisition of Land (PASAT), which incorporates programs dedicated to agricultural activities to 

implement other satisfactory productive activities at former owners’ new properties. 

Economic Activity 

The economic activity sub-component has a moderate positive net impact and, though it is indirectly 

influenced by an impact management measure (the Policy of Local Purchases and Hiring), its magnitude 

does not increase since the negative impact that needs countering is the reduced economic activity at the 

closing of the project, which is already low. 

The relationship of the Policy of Local Purchases and Hiring and this impact is present in the programs for 

alternative jobs and sustainable development of the policy. These programs make local companies less 

reliant on the Conga Project and, hence, general economic activity should not be highly affected. 

Property Rights 

The property rights sub-component has a low positive net impact and is not influenced by any impact 

management measure. The impact associated is the regularization of ownership of land carried out at 

the pre-construction stage. 

Psychosocial Component 

The psychosocial component is characterized by a set of impacts with a negative tendency, all related to 

exaggerated expectations about benefits that the project can bring and perceptions of possible negative 

environmental impacts. Hence, the weight of the psychological component in the aggregated result for 

negative impacts is high, though substantially reduced after implementing the impact management 

measures, where impact is reduced from 40% to 19% (Chart 5.3.1). 

Evaluation of the impacts for this component shows a high negative net impact. Also, even after adding 

impact management measures the rating for the result does not change (it continues to be high negative), 

though its magnitude changes by 70% (Chart 5.3.2). Notably, the negative high rating found, represents 

the accumulation of low (and sometimes non-existent) negative impacts; so the result mostly reflects the 

number of impacts, and not their magnitude. 

In terms of change in magnitude, the impact management measures reduce the negative impacts for the 

expectations and perceptions sub-components by more than 40%; the weight of expectations is reduced 

by 80%, while the weight of perceptions is reduced by 40%. 

Below, a description for both sub-components: 

Expectations 

This sub-component has a high negative net impact. After adding the impact management measures, this 

result changes to a moderate negative net impact, which implies a mitigation of 80% for the significance 

of the net negative impact found. 

The weight of this sub-component on the result for the psychological component in a post impact 

management measures scenario is 45%. As such, its relative importance is considered high. 

Residual impacts are characterized as low negative and those that are most influential on the net result 

are exaggerated expectations about the investments by the company and exaggerated expectations 

about the investments by the local and regional governments for social infrastructure. 

In both cases, the impact management measures to be implemented are the Social Communication Plan 

and the Social Environmental Participative Monitoring Plan. 

Perceptions 

This sub-component has a high negative net impact. After implementing the impact management 

measures, magnitude is reduced by 40% from high to moderate. 



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Residual negative impacts for the sub-component, as was the case with expectations, are low negative, 

and the most influential ones are: for the pre-construction stage, perceptions of environmental impact; for 

the stages of construction and operation, perceptions of reduced agricultural performance and 

perceptions of impoverished human health; and, for the closing stage, employment uncertainty for the 

workers of the project. 

All of these elements are affected by the Social Communication Plan and the Social Environmental 

Participative Monitoring Plan, as is the sub-component of expectations. 

Social Element Derived from the Environmental Element 

The social element derived from the environmental element does not have a strong influence on the final 

effects from the Conga Project. Positive impacts represent only 3% of the total positive impact from the 

project in a scenario with impact management measures. Also, negative impacts represent only 2% of the 

net negative impacts from the project in the same context (Chart 5.3.2). 

Evaluation for the impacts from this component shows a low positive impact in a scenario without impact 

management measures, while after adding impact management measures, net impact is 160%. Still, the 

rating is low positive. 

From the two sub-components of the social element (natural products with socioeconomic relevance and 

water), only the natural products with socioeconomic relevance component has a low negative residual 

impact. 

Changes generated with the implementation of impact management measures are a 40% reduction in the 

magnitude of the negative impact from the natural products with socioeconomic relevance subcomponent 

and 20% strengthening for the positive impact from water sub-component. 

Below, a detailed description of both sub-components: 

Natural Products with Socioeconomic Relevance 

Acquisition of land for the project during the pre-construction stage generates loss of environmental 

elements with socioeconomic relevance: natural grazing grounds and bogs. In general, the vegetation 

covering the area where the project is located is scrubland (87.5% of the area), while bogs are poorly 

kept due to overgrazing. This is why the generated negative impact is low. Despite this, the project 

incorporates recovery of affected grazing grounds, so the residual impact is practically zero. 

Also, during the construction stage there is another negative impact related to reduced access to fishing 

resources (trout). The project will affect the following lakes: Azul, Chica, Perol, Chaihuagón and Mala. 

With the exception of the Chaihuagón lake, the rest of the lakes will be drained and the resident trout will 

be put in the Perol, Chaihuagón or Lower reservoirs. This is part of the environmental impact 

management measures and, from the socioeconomic point of view, the impact generated is considered 

low negative and it relates to the further distance that users must travel to get this resource (located in the 

villages of Agua Blanca, San Nicolas and Quengorío Alto). 

Water 

The water sub-component shows a low positive net impact. Impact management measures strengthen 

this result by 20%. This impact is associated with the lower uncertainty about water availability in the dry 

season for the stages of construction, operation and closing. Construction and operation of the Perol, 

Chailhuagón, Upper and Lower reservoirs will counter the decreased flows affected by the project. From 

the social point of view, the Social Communication Plan and the Social Environmental Participative 

Monitoring Plan represent the impact management measures related to this sub-component, as they 

contribute to spread the benefits these reservoirs represent for the community, and hence further diminish 

the uncertainty related to the availability of water. 



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Notably, the reservoirs do not only mitigate the potential ecosystem impacts, but also impacts on water 

flows used by those located downstream from the project. 

Political Component 

The political component has one of the lowest contributions to the final results of the project. Negative 

impact represents 5% of the total negative impacts for the project, in a scenario with impact management 

measures (Chart 5.3.2). 

Though this component has a low negative net impact, it is the only one in the group of components with 

no significant changes after the impact management measures have been added. The effect of the 

mitigating measure on it is almost non-existent, because impacts are related to tensions or conflicts 

between districts and provinces close to the project stemming from the distribution of the cannon and 

royalties, a matter over which MYSRL has no influence. 

Below, a description of its only sub-component: 

Conflicts 

During the operation stage, two low negative impacts can be felt. The first originates from increased 

mining profits (generated by the commercialization of ore), that lead to a higher cannon payment, over 

which the local and provincial governments close to the project fight over. The second impact is similar 

and it appears in the stage of ore mining, from which payment of royalties is increased, as are the 

mentioned social tensions and conflicts. 

Despite the impossibility to influence the distribution of the cannon and royalties (as it is determined by 

the law), the company attempts to mitigate social tensions through information that is easy to understand, 

regarding what is the area the project can influence and what are the districts that benefit from the 

distribution of cannon and royalties. This is part of the Social Communication Plan. Also, the effective use 

of these payments is promoted by the Project to Strengthen Investment Project Design and Management 

for Local, District and Province Governments. 

This project, already mentioned in the income sub-component section for the economic component, 

provides training for local, provincial and regional government for efficient expenditure based on 

participative local development plans that clearly define short, medium and long term priorities. 

However, as the final result depends on the performance of MYSRL and not the effort by the local, 

provincial and regional governments to improve management, changes from this impact management 

measure are minimal. However, if this project is put to good use, effects can be notoriously beneficial. 

Finally, the effect from impact management measures on each of the stages of the project is varied. The 

pre-construction stage experiences the most changes, with its negative impact contracting by 340%, 

going from a moderate negative net impact to a high positive one. The biggest variations in this case, are 

shown in the psychosocial and social components (reduced negative net impact by 80% and 60%, 

respectively). The operation and construction stages are in second and third place, with positive impacts 

strengthening by 250% and 240% respectively. In both cases, these results are explained by the effects 

from the economic component (increased income). Regarding the closing stage, the reduced negative net 

impact is 60%; this implies going from a high negative net impact to a low negative impact. Hence, the 

only stage with a negative net magnitude after implementing the impact management measures is the 

closing stage. 

Regarding the importance each stage has on the final impact by the project, in a scenario after impact 

management measures have been added, we find: (1) the operation stage is the most relevant, with a 

participation in the final result of 53%; (2) the construction and pre-construction stages have lower 

participations at 35% and 19%, respectively, and (3) the closing stage has a negative participation of -6%. 



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For this last situation, the minus sign indicates the net impact from this stage reduces the accumulated 

positive impact for the previous stages. Notably, the operation stage, the one with the highest weight on 

the final result after adding the impact management measures, is also the one with the biggest changes 

after the measures have been added. 

Social 

element 

Economic 

component 

Psychosocia 

l component 

Social 

element 

derived from 

the 

environment 

al element 

Political 

component 

Total 

Variation 

after 

mitigating 

measures 

Participatio 

n in total 

Chart 5.3.3 

Evaluation and Rating After Implementing Impact Management Measures 

Preconstruction 

Low negative 

impact 

High positive 

impact 

Low negative 

impact 

Low negative 

impact 

High positive 

impact 

Stages 

Construction Operation Closing 

Low negative 

impact 

High positive 

impact 

Low negative 

impact 

Low positive 

impact 

High positive 

impact 

Low 

negative 

impact 

High 

positive 

impact 

Moderate 

negative 

impact 

Low 

positive 

impact 

Low 

negative 

impact 

High 

positive 

impact 

Low 

negative 

impact 

Low 

negative 

impact 

Low 

positive 

impact 

Low 

negative 

impact 



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Total Variation Participation 

of the total 

Moder 

ate 

negativ 

e 

impact 

High 

positiv 

e 

impact 

High 

negativ 

e 

impact 

Low 

positiv 

e 

impact 

Low 

negativ 

e 

impact 

High 

positiv 

e 

impact 

-340% 240% 250% -60% 2650% 

19% 35% 53% -6% 100% 

-60% -7% 

30% 133% 

-70% -23% 

160% 4% 

0% -7% 

2650% 100% 

The above chart shows percentage variations in magnitude for net impacts for each component and 

stage after adding impact management measures. The columns and rows entitled Total show final ratings 

for each component or stage of the project. Percentage variations, in the next columns and rows, are 

interpreted as follows: if they have a plus sign, they are a percentage increase for the positive magnitude 

of the net impact in a scenario without impact management measures. If they have a minus sign they 

represent percentage reductions for the negative net impact in a similar scenario.

Participations, shown in the last rows and columns, show the weight of each component and subcomponent 

on the final result of the project. Thus, a negative participation must be interpreted as a 

reduction in percentage points for the accumulated impact from other stages or components. Hence, the 

chart indicates that both the economic component and the operation stage are the most influential on the 

final result of the project: a change from a low positive net impact with no impact management measures, 

to a high positive net impact after these measures were added. 

Summing up the evaluation and rating of impacts according to components, as detailed above, we can 

conclude the following: 

1. The Conga Project generates, after adding management measures, a high positive net impact on the 

aggregated socioeconomic components. However, if these measures are not added, the result 

changes and the magnitude of the positive impact is low. 

2. Though the global impact of the project without impact management measures is positive, this result 

is not the same for all stages of the project. During the pre-construction and closing stages, the 

impact from the project is negative, moderate for the first case and high for the second. Hence the 

need to create a Social Impact Management Plan (Section 7.3.1). When including impact 

management measures, negative results for these stages are reduced and a high positive impact 

emerges for the pre-construction stage, while a low negative impact is present for the closing stage. 

The construction and operation stages that initially show positive net impacts, moderate impact for 

the construction stage and high for the operation stage, both showed high net positive impacts after 

adding impact management measures (Chart 5.3.3). Hence, all stages, except the closing stage, 

reflect positive residual net impacts, with a highly significant final aggregate net impact for the project. 

3. After impact management measures have been added, the socioeconomic components whose 

aggregate impacts had a stronger effect on the rating of the net impact for the project are, by 

relevance: economic, psychosocial and social components. Consequently, both the social element 

derived from the environmental element and the political component did not represent an important 

contribution to the net results for the project. 

4. Components with the highest changes after adding the impact management measures are: the social 

derived from the environmental (with a 160% increase of its positive net impact); psychosocial (a 

reduction of 70% for its negative net impact); social element (with a 60% reduction of the negative net 

impact), and economic (30% increase of positive net impact). The political component does not show 

any significant changes after adding impact management measures. 

5. When considering only the positive impacts from the project, the economic component is the one with 

the highest weight. Inclusion of positive impacts is close to 85% of total accumulated positive impacts 

for the project, in scenarios without impact management measures, and with them. Likewise, when 

considering only negative impacts, the economic component becomes highly relevant (more than 

30%) over the accumulated negative impacts for the project. 

5.3.2.2 Evaluation and Rating of Impact per Receptor 

Evaluation and rating by receptors is carried out for the general area of the Cajamarca Region, the 

Provinces of Celendin and Cajamarca, the local governments of the Provinces of Celendin and 

Cajamarca, the Specific Study Area and the nearby villages and those that are part of the area where the 

project is located. For all cases, it is not possible to compare between receptors, as the geographic areas 

assessed have different extensions . However, it is possible to establish comparisons between results for 

the same geographic area before adding the impact management measures and after they have been 

added. 

After this evaluation, a second, more specific evaluation is carried out that considers the village as the 

analysis unit. In this case, it is possible and necessary to establish comparisons, because this analysis 

determines the Direct and Indirect Influence Areas for the Conga Project. 

All the evaluations carried out seek to: (1) determine the quantity of positive and negative impacts for 

each receptor according to impact rating; (2) establish the stages for which each receptor receives the 



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highest negative and positive impacts, and (3) show the effects of the implementation of the impact 

management measures on each receptor. 

Below, the details of these evaluations: 

Cajamarca Region 

In a scenario with no impact management measures, the Cajamarca Region experiences moderate to 

high net negative impacts (by stage) and high positive net impacts (Appendix 5.7, Evaluation and Rating 

of Impacts by Receptor Before and After Implementing Impact Management Measures). Negative impacts 

are related to the exaggerated expectations about the benefits the Conga Project could bring and 

tensions and conflicts between districts and provinces that do not receive income from mining cannon 

and royalties; positive impacts, on the other hand, are related to an increased regional budget due to the 

payment of mining cannon and royalties. 

Regarding the number of impacts according to impact rating described by this receptor after adding 

impact management measures, we find: seven low negative impacts and two moderate positive impacts. 

The higher negative impacts are concentrated on the operation stage, where disputes over mining 

cannon and royalties are stronger, as are the exaggerated expectations about future investments from 

local, provincial and regional governments with these resources. 

When introducing the impact management measures the negative net impact for this receptor is reduced 

by 110%. This reduces the high negative net impact at the pre-construction stage to a low level; the 

moderate negative net impact at the construction stage to a low negative level; and the high negative net 

impact at the operation stage to a moderate positive level. For all stages, the negative impacts are 

reduced over 80% (Appendix 5.7, Evaluation and Rating of Receptors: Percentage Magnitude Change for 

Impacts after Inclusion of Impact Management Measures according to Project Stages). 

The accumulated impacts for each stage lead to a low positive final impact, after including impact 

management measures. Notably, the result for each receptor must be analyzed carefully, as it does not 

consider the total effectiveness of the Social Communication Plan, the main impact management 

measure associated with exaggerated expectations and perceptions. Also, the positive results from the 

increased regional budget derived from the payment of the mining cannon and royalties is being 

minimized, as the real effect on the community depends on the performance by the regional governments 

(adequate management of resources). Hence, quantification of changes from the related impact 

management measure, the Plan to Strengthen Investment Project Design and Management for Local, 

District and Province Governments, has been very close to zero in order not to overvalue the estimate of 

final impacts. However, if this project is adequately used and public resources are better managed, the 

final impact on this receptor is high positive. 

Celendin and Cajamarca Provinces 

In a scenario that includes post impact socioeconomic management measures, the Celendin and 

Cajamarca Provinces only suffer a low negative impact at the pre-construction stage; meanwhile, the two 

provinces receive two moderate positive impacts at the operation stage. The negative impact at the preconstruction 

stage is associated with perceptions of possible environmental impacts with the start of the 

Conga Project; while the later positive impacts are related to increased budgets from the payment of 

mining cannon and royalties. The aggregate of these impacts generates a high total positive impact for 

these receptors. 

The implementation of the corresponding impact management measures, the Social Communication 

Plan, the Social Environmental Participative Monitoring Plan, and the Plan to Strengthen Investment 

Project Design and Management for Local, District and Province Governments, strengthens total positive 

impact by 190%, changing relevance from moderate positive to high positive. (Appendix 5.7, Evaluation 

and Rating of Receptors: Percentage Magnitude Changes for Impacts after Inclusion of Impact 

Management Measures according to the stages of the project). 



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Just as it was with the previous case, the effectiveness estimate for the Social Communication Plan is 

extremely conservative, so the final effect on these receptors could be considerably higher. 

Celendin and Cajamarca Provinces’ Local Governments 

Local governments of the Celendin and Cajamarca Provinces receive four positive impacts, a low impact 

and three moderate impacts at the pre-construction and operation stages: regularization of land 

ownership, increased income from the administrative management and procedures derived from the 

regularization of the land ownership (pre-construction), and increased budgets from payment of mining 

cannon and royalties (operation). 

Hence, net impact on this receptor is high positive and, though no impact management measure is strictly 

required, this result is strengthened through the Plan to Strengthen Investment Project Design and 

Management for Local, District and Province Governments. 

City of Cajamarca 

The city of Cajamarca receives a high positive net impact in a scenario with no impact management 

measures. However, net impacts on this receptor for each stage are not always positive. For the stages 

of construction and operation, both local and external labor have a higher purchasing power, which has 

positive effects on local commerce and leads to a more dynamic economic scenario. On the other hand, 

at the closing stage there is a low negative impact from the slower economic activity. 

Hence, impacts are distributed as follows: four moderate positive impacts (higher income for businesses 

and more dynamic economic scenario), and one low negative impact (contraction of the economic activity 

at the closing of the project). The mentioned impacts are not considerably affected by impact 

management measures. 

Specific Study Area 

The net impact from the project on the Specific Study Area is high negative in a scenario without impact 

management measures. However, adding these measures changes the situation to a high positive net 

impact, which implies a reduction of 130% in the magnitude of the previously seen negative net impact 

(Appendix 5.7, Evaluation and Rating of Receptors: Percentage Magnitude Changes for Impacts After 

Inclusion of Impact Management Measures according to the stages of the project). 

The distribution of impacts after adding the impact management measures is as follows: for negative 

impacts, 11 are low, 4 are moderate and 3 are high. In the case of positive impacts, 5 are low, 10 are 

moderate and 1 is high. The higher negative impacts are concentrated on the construction and operation 

stages. Of those, the most important, in order of relevance, are: higher prices for basic consumer goods, 

increased cost of labor for non-mining activities and cultural clashes due to the arrival of lifestyles that are 

foreign to the community. 

Regarding positive impacts, the ones with the highest ratings are: for the pre-construction stage, 

increased value of the land and other property not sold to MYSRL ; and, for the construction and 

operation stages, increased income for labor (used for the project and by companies hired locally), as 

well as higher employment rates. 

Communities Within the Project Location’s Area 

The villages that are close to and in the area where the project is located are: Quengorío Bajo, Huasiyuc 

Jadibamba, Piedra Redonda Amaro, Chugurmayo, Namococha, El Porvenir de la Encañada, Lagunas de 

Combayo, Agua Blanca, Quengorío Alto and San Nicolas. 

The villages in the area where the project is located receive a positive high net impact from the project, 

which is strengthened after adding impact management measures by 60% (Appendix 5.7, Evaluation and 

Rating of Impacts by Receptor Before and After Implementing Impact Management Measures). However, 



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this result is not even for all stages, and the pre-construction stage is the only one that generates a 

moderate negative net impact. In general, the reason for this result is explained by the adverse effects 

from the acquisition of land for the project. 

After applying impact management measures, the impacts are distributed as follows: for the negative 

impacts, 2 are low and 2 are moderate; and for positive impacts, 2 are low and 4 are moderate. Negative 

impacts are concentrated mostly in the pre-construction stage; meanwhile, positive impacts are 

concentrated at later stages. 

In the case of negative impacts, those concentrated at the pre-construction stage, in order of rating, are: 

modification of the communication roads (the new highway, going North to South, extends the travelling 

time), reduced agricultural activity and lower long term investments for land. 

At the closing stage, there is a low impact related to perceptions about environmental liabilities. 

The most important positive impacts that affect this receptor are increased income for agricultural workers 

and increased local employment, derived from the purchase by MYSRL from local producers to satisfy 

food demand. 

Considering that most negative effects are concentrated on the pre-construction stage and are derived 

from the purchase of land for the project, receptors have been divided into two more specific groups: 

former owners and shepherds. 

In a scenario with no impact management measures, the first group receives a high net negative impact 

from the project, higher than the impact felt by the second group, which is moderate. The addition of 

impact management measures, specifically from the Social Support Program for the Acquisition of Land 

(PASAT) reduces adverse effects that befall the former owners by 20%. There are important residual 

impacts, such as the break-up of social networks and family ties, and the risk of social isolation. 

In the case of shepherds, the management measure to be applied is the recovery of natural grazing 

grounds in the area where the project is located. The negative impact received is reduced by 70%, 

because it is possible to use the recovered grazing grounds, located outside the perimeter of the project. 

Chart 5.3.4 

Evaluation and Rating for Receptors: Former Owners and Shepherds 

Receptor 

Area of the project (shepherds) 

Area of the project (former owners) 

Negative impacts 

Pre Mitigation Post Mitigation 

Pre-construction Pre-construction 

Moderate negative 

impact 

High negative 

impact 



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Variation % 

Low negative impact -70% 

High negative 

impact 

Villages 

Evolution and rating of impacts for the villages in the Specific Study Area have led to identification of 

those places with the highest number of high negative impacts. The villages affected match those in or 

close to the area where the project is located (Quengorío Bajo, Huasiyuc Jadibamba, Piedra Redonda 

-20%

Amaro, Chugurmayo, Namococha, El Porvenir de la Encañada, Lagunas de Combayo, Agua Blanca, 

Quengorío Alto, San Nicolas and Santa Rosa de Huasmin). This is due to the fact that in all cases, high 

negative impacts are concentrated at the pre-construction stage and they derive from the land purchase 

process by MYSRL and the modification of the communication roads. 

Below is a description of the impacts for each village identified. Notably, since all ten villages are in the 

area where the project is located, impacts for this group have been included in the evaluation for each of 

the villages, and only specific additional impacts will be mentioned . 

Agua Blanca 

The village of Agua Blanca is the only one out of the ten villages in the area where the project is located 

that receives a low negative net impact from the project without any impact management measures 

(Appendix 5.7, Evaluation and Rating of Impacts by Receptor: Villages in the Area Where the Project is 

Located). If we consider only the pre-construction stage (where most of the negative impacts are 

generated for all the villages), the village of Agua Blanca is the second most negatively impacted village. 

Application of impact management measures reduces the magnitude of negative impacts for the stage by 

40%. For the pre-construction stage, there are four low negative impacts registered, namely: modification 

of the communication roads (the new highway, going North to South, extends the travelling time), reduced 

agricultural activity and lower long term investments for land and loss of environmental elements with 

socioeconomic relevance (grazing grounds and bogs). The first three are common for all villages in the 

area where the project is located; while the last affects only this village and San Nicolas. Recovery of 

natural grazing grounds, located outside the perimeter of the project, represents the mitigating measure 

for this negative impact. 

The construction stage includes two additional impacts for the villages in the area where the project is 

located: reduced accessibility to fishing resources (trout), also affecting the villages of San Nicolas and 

Quengorío Alto; and the perception of decreased agricultural performance due to dust, that also affects 

San Nicolas, El Porvenir de la Encañada, Lagunas de Combayo, Quengorío Alto, Huasiyuc Jadibamba 

and Piedra Redonda. Both impacts are low; in the first case, because trout located in the lakes affected 

by the project will be taken to the Perol, Chaihuagón and Lower reservoirs and, in the second case, 

because the Social Communication Plan contributes to mitigate perceptions through the adequate 

information about the social and environmental consequences of the project. 

The global impact of the project over this village, after adding the impact management measures, is high 

positive. This is reflected in a 640% reduction of the negative impact generated in a scenario with impact 

management measures. As already mentioned, all stages, except pre-construction, generate positive net 

impacts that go from low to high (Appendix 5.7, Evaluation and Rating of Impact by Receptors: 

Percentage Changes Post Impact Management Measures for the Villages in the area where the project is 

located, according to the stages of the project). 

Chugurmayo 

The net impact of the project on this village in a scenario without impact management measures is high 

positive. However, as is the case with all villages in the area where the project is located, net impact from 

the project for the pre-construction stage is high negative. 

Also, from the effects on the villages in the area where the project is located, Chugurmayo does not 

receive more impacts. After adding the impact management measures, the positive net impact the project 

has on this village increases by 60% (Appendix 5.7, Evaluation and Rating of Impact by Receptor: 

villages in the area where the project is located). 

El Porvenir de la Encañada 



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This village is affected by a high positive net impact from the project. However, as is the case with the 

villages in the area where the project is located, for the pre-construction stage it receives a high negative 

net impact, close to that affecting Chugurmayo (in a scenario with no impact management measures). 

During the construction and operation stages this village, and the villages of San Nicolas, Lagunas de 

Combayo, Agua Blanca, Quengorío Alto, Huasiyuc Jadibamba and Piedra Redonda receive a low 

negative impact related to the perceptions of decreased agricultural performance due to dust. 

After introducing impact management measures, the positive net impact from the project for the village is 

increased by a 200% average. 

Huasiyuc Jadibamba 

The project has a high positive net impact on this village. Addition of impact management measures 

strengthens the result by 200%. 

During the pre-construction stage, it suffers the impacts related to the area where the project is located; 

while for the operation stage, is receives a negative impact related to perceptions of decreased 

agricultural performance due to dust. 

Lagunas de Combayo 

This village receives a positive net impact from the project, which is strengthened by 200% after adding 

impact management measures. 

Besides negative impacts over the area where the project is located, there is a low negative impact 

related to the perceptions of decreased agricultural performance due to dust. 

Namococha 

This village is affected by a positive net impact from the project, which is increased by a 60% average 

with the introduction of impact management measures. Besides negative impacts generated in the area 

where the project is located, there are no further impacts. 

Piedra Redonda Amaro 

The project generates a positive net impact on this village. With the introduction of impact management 

measures, this impact is strengthened by 200% 

Besides impacts in the area where the project is located, this village receives negative impact from 

perceptions about reduced agricultural performance due to environmental impacts, which appears at the 

stages of construction and operation of the project. 

Quengorío Alto 

This village is affected by the positive net impact of the project, which is strengthened by 600% in a 

scenario with impact management measures. 

Also, the impacts in the area where the project is located are the following: perceptions of decreased 

agricultural performance due to noise and dust and the reduction of accessibility to fishing resources. 

After adding the corresponding impact management measures (Social Communication Plan), these 

impacts decrease to low. 

Quengorío Bajo 

The project generates a positive net impact for the village, which is strengthened by an average 60% after 

adding the impact management measures. Also, no further impacts have been identified for the village, 

besides those in the area where the project is located. 

San Nicolas 



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As was the case for the village of Agua Blanca, and unlike the rest of the villages in the area where the 

project is located, San Nicolas receives a high negative impact from the project when no impact 

management measures are added. This is due to the highly negative impact at the pre-construction stage 

(the most negative for the ten villages). However, with the introduction of impact management measures, 

the final net impact over this village becomes moderate positive. This implies a 150% reduction of the 

result from a scenario without management measures. 

The negative impacts for this village, besides those in the area where the project is located, are: at the 

pre-construction stage, possible reduction in milk sales as a consequence of the modification in the 

connecting roads and the loss of environmental elements with socioeconomic relevance (grazing grounds 

and bogs); at the construction stage, reduced access to fishing resources (trout) and the perceptions of 

decreased agricultural performance due to dust (also at the operation stage). 

Santa Rosa de Huasmin 

This village feels a negative net impact from the project that is reduced by an average 300% with the 

addition of impact management measures, and reaches a low positive threshold. 

Though this village is not in the area where the project is located, it does share the negative impact with 

the other villages for the pre-construction stage related to the construction of the new roads. 

Specifically, the rural road connecting this village to Agua Blanca and San Nicolas will be dismantled. 

However, Santa Rosa de Huasmin would recover access to these places through a different section of 

the road that would go through Piedra Redonda and would connect with Quengorío Bajo and Quengorío 

Alto before connecting with San Nicolas. Though the new planned highway is associated with a lower 

number of car accidents, the impact generated is low negative as the time it takes to complete the trip is 

longer. 

Finally, the number of impacts that affects each village, according to direction and magnitude, is shown in 

Chart 5.3.5. These quantities include those in the evaluation area where the project is located. 

Chart 5.3.5 

Number of Residual Impacts According to Magnitude by Type of Receptor 

Receptor 

Number of Impacts according to Magnitude 

Negatives Positives 

Low Moderate High Low Moderate High 

Cajamarca Region 7 0 0 0 2 0 

Celendin and Cajamarca 

Provinces 

Local govt. for Celendin and 

Cajamarca Provinces 

1 0 0 0 2 0 

0 0 0 1 3 0 

City of Cajamarca 1 0 0 0 4 0 

Specific Study Area 11 4 3 5 10 1 

Villages in the area where 

project is located 

Area where project is located 

(shepherds) 

Area where project is located 

(former owners) 

2 2 0 2 4 0 

1 0 0 0 0 0 

2 1 0 2 0 0 

Agua Blanca 6 2 0 2 4 0 



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Chugurmayo 2 2 0 2 4 0 

El Porvenir de la Encañada 4 2 0 2 4 0 

Huasiyuc Jadibamba 4 2 0 2 4 0 

Lagunas de Combayo 4 2 0 2 4 0 

Namococha 2 2 0 2 4 0 

Piedra Redonda Amaro 4 2 0 2 4 0 

Quengorío Alto 5 2 0 2 4 0 

Quengorío Bajo 2 2 0 2 4 0 

San Nicolas 6 3 0 2 4 0 

Santa Rosa de Huasmin 0 1 0 0 1 0 

5.3.3 Determining Area of Direct Influence and Area of Indirect Influence 

From the impact analysis according to receptors in the previous section, which evaluated and rated the 

net impacts from the Conga Project for each receptor, we can conclude that the villages that make up the 

Area of Direct Influence for the project are: Quengorío Bajo, Huasiyuc Jadibamba, Piedra Redonda 

Amaro, Chugurmayo, Namococha, El Porvenir de la Encañada, Lagunas de Combayo, Agua Blanca, 

Quengorío Alto, San Nicolas and Santa Rosa de Huasmin (Figure 5.3.1). Ten of these villages are in the 

area where the project is located and the last one is directly next to it. These villages have been selected 

due to the high negative magnitude from the negative impact of the project that befalls them at the preconstruction 

stage, before any impact management measures are added (Appendix 5.7, Evaluation and 

Rating of Impact by Receptor: Villages in the area where the project is located). 

Unlike the rest of the villages from the Specific Study Area, at the pre-construction stage, these villages 

show additional negative impacts: contraction in agricultural activity and decreased long term investments 

related to the land. 

For later stages, there are additional negative impacts affecting some of the villages, such as reduced 

access to fishing resources (trout) and perceptions of decreased agricultural performance due to dust. 

Likewise, though all villages in the Specific Study Area are somewhat affected by the modification of the 

communication roads (dismantling of roads and modification of rural roads), the strongest effects are felt 

on the villages where the project is based or those very close to the areas. 

After determining which villages make up the Direct Influence Area, we can conclude that the rest of the 

villages in the Specific Study Area (21 villages) become part of the Indirect Influence Area (Figure 5.3.2), 

because these don’t feel the strongest impacts. Also, the Celendin and Cajamarca Provinces that, as 

described in the previous analysis, receive negative impacts at the pre-construction stage from 

perceptions of possible environmental impacts are also considered part of the Indirect Influence Area. 

This definition seeks to include all receptors of negative impacts. 

After determining the Direct Influence Area for the project it is possible to provide details for 

socioeconomic characteristics. 

5.3.3.1 Description of the Direct Influence Area 

Population 

The Direct Influence Area has a population of 2,403 people, representing 32.7% of the population in the 

Specific Study Area. Divided by district, the populations are: 713 people in the Sorochuco district; 420 in 

the Encañada district, and 1,270 in the Huasmin district. The villages that represent an important part of 

the population at the Direct Influence Area are Chugurmayo, with 392 people (16.3%), Santa Rosa de 



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Huasmin with 378 people (15.7%), Agua Blanca with 321 people (13.4%), and Quengorío Bajo with 301 

people (12.1%). 

Population according to gender is distributed almost evenly, with men at 48.2% and women at 51.8% of 

the total population in the Direct Influence Area. 

The population pyramid for the Direct Influence Area is concentrated on the younger age groups 

(between 0 and 14 years), thus reflecting the traditional structure derived from high mortality and birth 

rates, which is a characteristic of rural zones in the country. 

Characteristics of People at Households 

Regarding heads of households, we find that most of them are men (90.9%), making the percentage of 

women heads of households considerably lower (9.1%) than the national level recorded by the most 

recent census (28.5%). 

Regarding the highest education level reached by the head of household, we find that most heads of 

household have a low education level, as 70.3% have only reached a primary education level and 12.7% 

have no formal education. The percentage of the population that reached a secondary education level is 

16.1%, while only 1% has higher education. However, women are affected by the widest gap in 

education, as many have no formal studies or only primary studies. 

Age distribution for the heads of household in the Direct Influence Area shows that the predominant age 

group is between 31 and 45 years of age (36.5%). This is considered as a favorable situation, as it would 

participate in the economic activity. 

On the other hand, the education level is lower for older people, which evidences a relative improvement 

in the education level for the younger generations, including women. 

Regarding marital status, most of the population in the Direct Influence Area lives in cohabitation (63%), 

while only a fourth of the population is formally married. This percentage mainly represents the marital 

status of men. Female heads of households, on the other hand, are single, widowed or divorced. 

Regarding number of children, most households in the Direct Influence Area have only one child (25.6%). 

However, a similar percentage of households (22.4%) have four children or more. 

Regarding religious tendencies for members of households, over half are Catholic (62.3%). Evangelicals 

also hold an important percentage (28%) of the population. 

Housing Characteristics 

According to the information collected, out of the total number of houses (593), 88.6% use mostly adobe 

or rammed earth to build walls; 97.4% have dirt or sand floors and 49.3% have zinc alloy (‘calamina’) or 

cement fiber in their roofs. Other building materials used for roofing are straw and palm leafs (34.3%) and 

shingles (15.5%). 

Regarding access to basic facilities, 41% of houses only have access to the non-potable public pipeline, 

and 28% have access to the stream or spring as their only source of water. Only a reduced percentage of 

houses have access to potable water, either in the household (6.3%) or outside (4.1%). 

In the case of sanitary services, 59.7% of households use pit toilets or latrines; 24.3% of households use 

the outdoors or open field; and only 0.4% of households have facilities connected to the public sewerage 

network outside the household (0.4%). Notably, there are no houses with in-door facilities connected to 

the public network. 

The most common types of lighting systems used in the Direct Influence Area are candles, used in 64.9% 

of households; followed by kerosene (26.1%), electricity (6%) and generators (0.9%). In the case of the 



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most common element used for cooking, 80% of homes use wood; followed by straw or ichu (14.2%). 

Gas is used only by 1.5% of homes in the Direct Influence Area. 

In most cases, waste from the Direct Influence Area is buried or burnt (37.7%), dumped on the open field 

(29.9%), or dumped on a fixed location (26.6%). Only 0.4% recycles collected garbage. 

Education 

58.1% of the population over 15 has studied some primary education, while 19.5% has attended some 

years of secondary education. Also, only 16 people out of the population over age 15 located in the Direct 

Influence Area has attended some higher education (1.2%). The education level of men is relatively better 

than the education level of women. 

The percentage of illiteracy in the Direct Influence Area is similar to the percentage of illiterate population 

for the department, with almost a fourth of the population considered illiterate (26.2%). Illiteracy is 

predominant amongst females, where it reaches 41.8% of women (317), versus 10.4% for illiterate men 

(77). 

The abovementioned results show women are marginalized and that there is gender inequality for women 

in regards to educational achievements, as well as poor quality of education, as some illiterate people 

had completed some education. 

Regarding the academic condition for students inscribed for primary education, 78.0% of primary students 

have passed the courses they were attending. Results are the same for both genders. 

The dropout rate in the Direct Influence Area is 7.2% of inscribed students, and it is mostly concentrated 

on females. 

The academic condition for secondary studies shows bigger differences for men and women. Men have 

the best academic performance for this segment. Of those attending secondary education, 83.7% have 

passed their respective academic years, mostly men. 

Indicators of academic delay, such as failure to pass or withdrawal from school, represent 14.5% and 

16.9% of the female population inscribed for secondary education, while for the male population 

inscribed, only 4.3% fails to pass or is withdrawn. 

Regarding educational offering, the Direct Influence Area has 12 educational centers, out of which 1 is 

pre-school, 9 are primary schools and 2 are secondary schools. There seems to be an education center 

per village, usually for primary education, with the exception of Santa Rosa de Huasmin that has 3 

educational centers for pre-school, primary and secondary. On the opposite end, Piedra Redonda Amaro, 

located in the Huasmin district, has no educational centers of any kind. 

According to the information collected by previous studies, the education centers with the weakest 

infrastructure are located in the villages of Chugurmayo and Lagunas de Combayo, in the Sorochuco and 

La Encañada districts, respectively. Both education centers have rammed earth walls, straw roofs and 

floors made out of compacted earth. Also, the education centers in the Sorochuco district are built out of 

natural materials in walls, floors and roofs; while the other districts have used more resistant building 

materials such as cement, bricks and ceramics. 

Education centers in the Direct Influence Area have a total of 752 students, evenly distributed between 

males and females. At the village level, some cases have been found where educational demand 

surpasses the supply, in regards to number of teachers and infrastructure, and so providing quality 

education becomes an important challenge, which is exemplified by Educational Center Nº 82512, in 

Chugurmayo, that has 187 students and only 3 teachers working in 6 classrooms. 



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On the other hand, there are education centers with enough human and physical resources to cover the 

number of students it receives. Such is the case of the educational centers in Agua Blanca, El Porvenir 

de la Encañada and San Nicolas that have 32, 52 and 54 students, with 4, 3 and 2 classrooms each, and 

2 teachers working at each center. 

According to the Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática (2009), 25 students per teacher is a 

manageable number of students to provide adequate education. Most education centers in the Direct 

Influence Area (7 out of 12 schools) has a student/teacher ratio over the recommended 25 students, with 

the extreme cases of Chugurmayo with 62 students per teacher, Namococha with 47 students per 

teacher, and Huasiyuc Jadibamba with 37 students per teacher. Also, classrooms should house a 

maximum of 25 students. Most of the education centers (7 out of 12 schools) have less than 25 students 

per classroom, except for the education centers in Huasiyuc Jadibamba, Chugurmayo and San Nicolas. 

This scenario reflects the need for human resources or teachers to improve the quality of education. 

Since not all the villages have education centers providing primary or secondary education, children and 

young students must travel to other locations that offer these services. Most students must travel an hour, 

on foot, to the nearest primary or secondary educational center, which represents a leading cause to drop 

out of school and compromises educational achievements for the students in the most isolated 

communities. 

Employment 

Population over 14, known as Population Able to Work (PATW), in the Direct Influence Area represents 

69% of total population. The balance (31%) represents dependant population. 

Also, 70% of the PATW is part of the Economically Active Population (EAP), i.e., the population that 

works in some remunerated economic activity (69%) or is actively seeking a job (1%). This low 

unemployment rate is due to the fact that in rural zones, economic activities are mostly performed 

independently by family units for agricultural production, so there is no such demand that would generate 

expectations to find work. 

Hence, the remaining 30% of the population is economically inactive (EIP), i.e., does not work and is not 

actively seeking a job. This group works mainly in household chores (65%) and studies (27%), with the 

first activity carried out mostly by women (81%) and the second by men (83%), which points to a certain 

specialization in duties and chores in homes of the Direct Influence Area. This characteristic is also 

representative of the way work is organized in the rural areas in the Peruvian sierra. 

55% of the EAP at work carries out independent jobs and 33% are non-paid family workers (NPFW), 

which confirms the mostly familiar organization applied to agricultural activities for the homes in the Direct 

Influence Area. To a lesser degree, 11% of the population are dependent workers (employee or worker), 

in primary manufacturing, construction or services, among others, which are mostly activities with low 

added value. 

The main economic activity for the EAP in the Direct Influence Area is agriculture (87% of the total), 

followed by manufacturing (7%), commerce (3%), construction (1%) and others (2%). Likewise, nonagricultural 

activities are mainly textiles, retail commercialization of agricultural products and dried goods, 

minor construction, among others, mainly occupations that require little human labor and involve a low 

added value, as already mentioned. 

Most EIP are women (80% of the total), while men who are part of the EIP population are usually 

between the ages of 14 and 23, approximately. This is because men are part of the EIP only while 

studying (96% of total men), while women work almost exclusively in domestic chores (74% of total 

women) during their lifetimes. 



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Most EAP working at the Direct Influence Area have a low educational level, with primary education and 

lack of education representing 64% and 17% of the total, respectively. To a lesser degree, the secondary 

level represents 17% of and higher education represents 1%. However, when gender is factored in, 

women are the ones most commonly affected by lack of education (33% of total females), while the 

proportion of men with secondary education is higher (25% of total males), aligned with the specialization 

of labor in the households. 

Income and Expenses 

The EAP that is working in the Direct Influence Area receives an average salary of 200 nuevos soles. 

Nevertheless, this amount is underestimated, as 32% of the EAP has non-reported income from 

agricultural activities. Also, 24% of the EAP does not have income as they work as non-paid family 

workers. Hence, the population that receives - stated - income represents only 39% of the working EAP. 

In this group, according to the main source of income, dependent employment (29% of the working EAP) 

generates an average income of 364 nuevos soles, considerably higher than the total average income for 

the working EAP and higher than all other income sources, except for income from property. Also, 

agricultural activity (24% of the working EAP) generates 180 nuevos soles on average. This amount is 

lower than the average income in the Direct Influence Area, indicating that agricultural workers are a 

vulnerable group. 

The average family income in the Direct Influence Area is 265 nuevos soles, which are also 

underestimated, as there is a high rate of people who did not answer when asked about their agricultural 

income (32%). Likewise, the percentage of families with no income represents 7% of the families in the 

Direct Influence Area. 

Just like with the AEE, the main source for average family income comes from Programa Juntos (44% 

average income: 125 nuevos soles), as it benefits 58% of families in the Direct Influence Area with stated 

income. This scenario reflects the high level of welfare needed and poverty in the study zone. 

The second most important income source comes from dependent employment, where 28% of families 

where at least one family member receives this type of income, represents 23% of the average family 

income (61 nuevos soles). 

Regarding family expenses in the Direct Influence Area, the highest expense goes to food, which 

represents close to 64% of the total expenses in absolute terms, 234 soles . Average expenses in 

services and goods in the Direct Influence Area, excluding food, are 128 nuevos soles a month. In order 

of priority, the item with the highest expense (excluding food) is house maintenance, which totals 30 

nuevos soles a month (13%), followed by health and education, at 21 and 19 nuevos soles a month (9% 

and 8.3%, respectively). 

Health 

40.3% of homes in the Direct Influence Area had at least one sick person in the past 15 days, which in 

absolute terms translates into 206 people. Among people who were sick in the reference period, 67.5% 

were taken to a health facility (139 people). 

Of this group, nearly half (43.8%) were taken to a health facility run by the Health Ministry (Minsa): a 

polyclinic, health center or hospital (15.5%), while only one person was taken to the Hospital Essalud. 

Also, 62% of the population is affiliated to health insurance. 

Regarding type of health insurance, most prefer the Integral Health Insurance (Seguro Integral de Salud – 

61.4%). Social security, ESSALUD, is one of the least preferred (0.6%), along with other categories of 

health insurance (0.1%). 



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Regarding family planning, pregnancy is present in 7.8% of fertile women. Most pregnant women are 

between the ages of 15 and 24 (55.6%), which represents the latent threat of precocious pregnancies 

amongst the relatively young female population. 

Regarding prenatal care, most of the babies born alive that are under 5 years old, received at least one 

prenatal doctor visit during their pregnancy (88.9%). 

Over half of the babies born alive that are under 5 years old were delivered in the house where the 

pregnant woman lives (69.5%). And 30.5% were delivered at a health center, especially hospitals run by 

the Health Ministry. 

In the Direct Influence Area, half the fertile women -not considering pregnant women- use some kind of 

contraception method. Considering the pill, injections and condoms as modern contraceptive methods 

used, and periodic abstinence and other traditional methods of contraception, it is estimated that 89.7% of 

the population in the Direct Influence Area uses modern contraception methods, with injections used by 

78.5%, the pill by 8.4%, and condoms by 2.8%. Still, 10.3% of the population uses traditional 

contraceptive methods. 

Regarding morbidity causes in the Direct Influence Area, when the mothers of children younger than 5 

years old were asked for symptoms of Acute Respiratory Infections, especially in the lower respiratory 

airways, indicating pneumonia, during the two weeks before the survey, prevalence in children under 5 

was 53.4%. In the case of diarrhea (3 or more liquid bowel movements a day in the same day), incidence 

was 13.5% for the two weeks before the survey. 

Poverty 

The population in the Direct Influence Area is mostly poor (73.4%), measured in non-monetary terms (at 

least one Unsatisfied Basic Need, UBN), while 27.4% are extremely poor (more than one UBN). This 

evidences the low quality of life in the zone in terms of access to education for children, overcrowded 

homes, access to potable water, and others. 

As part of the population who has a limited ability to exercise their rights, 5.3% of the population under 18 

in the Direct Influence Area does not have any identification (birth certificate or ID). Also, the percentage 

of undocumented people over 18 is 16.1%. 

Productive Activities 

Agricultural units in the Direct Influence Area mostly carry out agricultural and livestock activities. This first 

activity is mainly used for self-consumption within the families (tubers, dried legumes, cereals, among 

others), while the second activity is carried out to produce milk from cattle. Hence, milk commercialization 

represents the main income source for the agricultural units. A small percentage of these units are 

dedicated exclusively to cattle (7%). 

Also, the land in the Direct Influence Area is mostly owned by the inhabitants, with 89% of total hectares 

under ownership, while ceded or lent hectares represent 11% of the land. Meanwhile, 1% of the land is 

leased. 

Most agricultural units in the Direct Influence Area are small farms from 0 to 2 hectares (63%) or family 

farms, from 2 to 10 hectares (30%). Mid-sized to big farms represent only 7% of the agricultural units. The 

low production scale and the family organization schemes, mainly, as well as the specialization is 

traditional products (tubers, dried legumes, cereals) is related to the main use of these products, namely, 

self-consumption, while the scarce excess production is sold or traded for other consumer goods. 

Agricultural activity represents sustainability for basic consumption for the families working in agriculture 

in the Direct Influence Area. 



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Most farms in the Direct Influence Area use rainfall as main irrigation method (80% of total farms), and 

because of the artisanal nature of this method, there is also little use of irrigation canals. Hence, only 14% 

of the farms use irrigation canals. However, this method is most relevant for farms using gravity flow 

irrigation (63% of all farms use it) and wells and groundwater (46%). 

The main production problems at the agricultural units in the Direct Influence Area are low production 

(78% of units), lack of water (58%), and low technology (57%), among others. Also, only 1%of agricultural 

units in the Direct Influence Area (five families) have received technical assistance. 

Most production in the Direct Influence Area, measured in volume, is represented by tubers (mainly 

potatoes, oca, olluco, among others), with 83% of total production. In second place, dried legumes 

(beans, lentils, etc.), representing 9% of production. We can see a specialization in traditional products. 

75% of production, measured in soles, is destined to self-consumption, while the other important 

percentage goes to manufacturing sub-products, also mostly destined for self-consumption. 

Most agricultural units (93%) have bovine cattle. Out of this percentage, 93% produce milk, at an average 

of 1,073 liters. This average varies widely, however, due to the different productivity levels of cattle and 

the number of animals for each unit. 89% of production is sold and 11% is left for self-consumption. 

Perceptions 

67% of the heads of household in the Direct Influence Area think life conditions remained unchanged for 

the 12 months before the survey was carried out. Meanwhile, 17% of the population thinks life conditions 

have worsened and only 16% perceives is has improved. Similar results can be found for the perception 

of living conditions within their communities. 

There is a certain level of positive relationship between those who consider conditions have improved and 

the following characteristics: younger age, higher education level and males. Those who considered 

things have worsened have the opposite characteristics. 

Also, population that has some kind of education or health center in their community considers that: 48% 

of heads of household in the Direct Influence Area thinks education is regular, and 35% thinks it is good, 

while 48% think service at health centers is good and 37% think it is regular. 

On the other hand, institutions that generate the highest levels of trust are those with the closest contact 

with the population, such as community leaders (69%) and authorities for populated centers and villages 

(67%). Those who generate medium levels of trust are local and regional governments: district city halls 

(38%), provincial city hall (26%), Cajamarca regional government (25%). Finally, those that generate a 

low level of trust are government programs, such as PRONAA (7%), FONCODES (8%), and 

PRONAMACHS (6%). In the case of mining companies, trust levels are also low (13%). 

There is also a very high level of pride related to the zone: 93% of the population in the Direct Influence 

Area is proud to be from Cajamarca and 96% of belonging to the district. 

Regarding the Minas Conga project, 50% of the population in the Direct Influence Area said they knew of 

it. Of this group, 62% disagrees with the development of the project. Again, there is a positive relationship 

between those who agree and the following characteristics: younger age and higher education level. 

37% of the population thinks mining activity could be beneficial. Out of this percentage, 69% considered 

these benefits are tied to infrastructure, 37% said benefits are related to development projects, 36% 

considers they are related to educational improvement and 29% to health improvement. 

94% of the population considers that mining is harmful. The main problems related to the mining activity 

according to the inhabitants in the Direct Influence Area are: problems with water (74%), environmental 

problems (62%), problems for people (61%) and problems for animals (60%). 



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Social Programs 

The families in the Direct Influence Area, just as in other zones of the country where extreme poverty is 

high, are supported by state run food programs (school breakfast, community kitchen, Glass of Milk - 

Vaso de Leche), programs to fight poverty (Juntos, Crecer), and others. Hence, 51% of families in the 

Direct Influence Area receive help from at least one of these programs, where food programs are the 

most common (33% of all families) and Juntos (25%). 

73% of the population receives help from at least one food program. Among these, the main food 

programs are: Vaso de Leche (16% of total individuals) and school breakfast (8%). In this last case, 

percentage goes up 26% if we only consider population between the ages of 6 and 16 years old (school 

age). 

Institutions 

Rondas Campesinas (Rural Rounds) and Committees for the Vaso de Leche Program are the most 

recognizable institutions for respondents (94.0% and 86.1%, respectively). Also, participation in these 

programs is high: 81.5% of the population said they belonged to Rondas Campesinas. 

Also, regarding participation in community organizations, over 70% of surveyed heads of households say 

they always attend Community Assemblies. 56.5% of the population considers decisions from these 

assemblies are taken between union officials and the community; which added to those who think 

decisions are taken solely by the community, represent 67.6%. However, almost a third of surveyed 

people think decisions taken at Community Assemblies a taken only by union leaders. 



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Section 6.0 - Environment Management Plan 

The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) constitutes a dynamic tool to achieve a good environmental 

performance of the project’s activities. After identifying potential impacts from the project’s activities, the 

EMP allows the planning of programs to reduce negative impacts and maximize the project’s benefits 

applying mitigation, monitoring, and contingency measures to be implemented during the project’s 

activities. 

This chapter includes actions and initiatives that MYSRL, through the EPM, proposes to implement to 

perform responsibly and sustainable the Conga project’s activities towards the environment to prevent, 

control, and reduce negative impacts from its activities. These measures are presented at the proper 

detail level, considering that they will be subject to modifications based on specific conditions or 

circumstances during its implementation and a continuous improvement process. The EMP’s design 

considers the following: 

Incorporate the environmental variable from the first stages of site, installation, and process design; 

hence it is difficult to separate the environmental component from the engineering design itself. 

Apply MYSRL’s Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines (Appendix 2.1). 

Provide periodic and permanent training to workers related to risk prevention and environmental 

protection. 

Include proper plans regarding environmental impact mitigation, risk prevention and contingencies, 

erosion and sedimentation control, waste management, and environmental monitoring. 

Considering that the EMP’s design must allow easy access to information, this document has been 

organized into five plans related to each other, and their objectives are: 

Prevention and Mitigation Program: its purpose is to avoid or reduce negative environmental impacts 

identified through the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). It includes actions and 

recommendations that reduce or avoid adverse effects of works or activities on any environmental 

component. 

Environmental Monitoring Program: designed to follow-up systematically certain indicators of the 

environmental status within the project’s area of influence. 

Contingency Plan: defines specific actions for cases that result in an emergency to reduce harm to the 

environment, communities, and facilities. 

Solid Waste Management Plan: Integral management of waste to ensure compliance with the principles 

of reduction, environmental risk prevention, and public health protection as established by current law. 

Erosion and Sediment Control Conceptual Plan: to provide guidelines to avoid unnecessary exposure of 

unprotected soil, and provide material and know-how to reduce accelerated soil loss during the project’s 

development. 

The next section presents the Environment Management Plan that MYSRL will implement during the 

Conga project’s construction and operation stages. The corresponding management measures for the 

closure stage are mentioned in the Conceptual Closure Plan (Chapter 10). 

6.1 Prevention and Mitigation Program 

This program describes measures to be considered during the Conga project’s construction and 

operation stages to prevent, avoid, reduce, or control potential inherent adverse effects. This chapter 

does not include closure activities since for this study’s purposes they are considered as the project’s 

impact remediation or mitigation measures as a whole. Before proposing specific prevention and 

mitigation measures for each environmental sub-component, impacts detailed in Chapter 5 will be briefly 

described. 



6-1

6.1.1 Impact mitigation – Geomorphology and topography 

6.1.1.1 Expected Impacts 

Next is included a summary of expected impacts on the project area’s geomorphology and topography 


Construction 

Relief modifications as a result of transporting earth and direct occupation of the project´s infrastructure. 

The final receptor is the direct occupation area. 

Operation 

Relief modification resulting from material extraction from the pits, waste material disposal, and tailings 

disposal. The final receptor is the direct occupation area. 

6.1.1.2 Mitigation Measures 

Although impacts on relief are in most cases irreversible, there are measures that allow a control of 

impacts to avoid a larger reach than expected such as the effect of locating the infrastructure. 

Additionally, expected impacts are restricted to the project’s footprint without expanding to additional 

areas. Construction and operation stage measures are included next: 

Facilities’ earthworks, especially those that involve material excavations, will be planned to reduce the 

areas to be intervened. It will be taken into account that material removed, especially topsoil, will be 

saved for posterior use during remediation programs. 

Before mining, ore will be selected according to grade and low grade material will be segregated; in the 

same manner, waste rock/material will be segregated. 

Works performed to create internal roads, haul roads, water control structures, and power lines within 

the project’s area will be supervised and planned to reduce size of areas to be intervened. 

To the extent that it is possible, construction activities that imply removal of vegetation and topsoil will 

be scheduled in order to perform the works during the dry season to facilitate the implementation of 

structures for erosion and sediment control purposes. 

Areas that have been upset will be provisionally or permanently remediated through reconstitution, 

leveling, and/or revegetation activities with natural and/or compatible vegetation. 

Geographical factors such as weather and topography will be taken into account to select the 

techniques and materials adequate for the project’s construction and operational tasks to be performed. 

Additionally, a proper slope design criteria based on the area’s geotechnical criteria will be considered 

to ensure infrastructure’s stability. 

If the use of explosives to remove rock mass is required, area’s natural slopes that pose a slide risk will 

be previously assessed. Based on this evaluation, proper load will be applied. 

Basin management systems will be developed for water that is intervened by construction, provisional 

diversion canals will be installed to divert total flow until they can resume their natural course, thus 

reducing intervention of the final stream. Surface Water and Sediment Management Plan is detailed in 

Appendix 4.2. 

To avoid potential landslides or cave-ins within construction works areas, provisional erosion control 

measures will be implemented. These provisional measures shall be properly maintained until they are 

replaced by permanent erosion control measures or until rehabilitation during closure activities is 

finished. These measures include slope reduction, sediment containment, slope breakers, energy 

dissipators, among other specific measures for each case. 

Provisional erosion control measures will be periodically inspected, especially after rainfall. In those 

areas where issues are detected, such upsets will be corrected or the management method will be 

modified applying alternate proper measures. 

The facilities in general shall be physically stable in the short, mid, and long term to avoid environmental 

risks or risks to the physical integrity of people and communities. 



6-2

6.1.2 Impact Mitigation – Ambient Air Quality 

6.1.2.1 Expected Impact 

Next foreseeable impacts that would affect ambient air quality of the project’s area during the construction 

and operation stages are discussed. 

Construction 

Variation of particle matter concentration resulting from construction activities at facilities. The following is 

a summary of the project’s particle sources: 

Land stripping/removal of topsoil. 

Moving of earth and other materials. 

Civil works. 


Equipment, machinery, consumables, and staff transportation to the project’s site. 

Internal transportation. 

Gas concentration variation resulting from combustion engines of machinery and vehicles used during the 

construction stage. Emissions will specifically be generated as the result of the following activities: 

Topsoil land stripping/removal. 

Moving of earth and other materials. 

Civil works. 

Bog removal. 

Material disposal. 

Equipment, machinery, consumables, and staff hauling and transportation to the project’s site. 

Internal hauling and transportation. 

Operation 

Variation of particle matter concentration as consequence of the infrastructure’s operation activities. Next 

is included a summary of particle matter sources for this project stage: 

Particles matter emission due to: 

Blasting 

Ore mining 


Ore and waste hauling 

Waste disposal 

Ore crushing 


Temporary disposal of crushed material 

Concentrate grinding/storage 




Variation of gas concentration mainly due to the operation of combustion engines and vehicles employed 

during the project’s operation stage. These emissions will be specifically generated as consequence of 

the following activities: 

Blasting 

Ore mining 



6-3


Ore and waste material hauling/Waste material disposal 

Material crushing 


Temporary disposal of crushed material 

Grinding 






The following measures are included to avoid and mitigate impacts: 

Diesel fuel emissions, mainly carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxide (NOx), will be controlled 

through a regular vehicle and machine maintenance program to allow their proper operation and within 

limits established by law. 

Primary crusher will include a water sprinkling system, which will automatically activate based on haul 

truck proximity, and will include dust controls on discharge end of conveyor belt, such as sprinklers and 

capture hoppers at key transfer points. 

Dust suppression strategic points will be identified based on the project’s infrastructure layout. Dust 

suppression systems will be installed at these strategic points, mainly located at the crushing system 

and coarse ore conveyor belts. These preliminary points will be confirmed during the first year of 

operation, and, if required, the same will be revised to increase measure’s efficiency. 

Road particle matter emissions will be controlled at areas with most traffic within the project through 

irrigation water trucks. At the same time, and according to the results of the ambient air quality 

monitoring system, road treatment with hygroscopic chemical dust suppressor will be evaluated to 

assist with soil moisture retention. Among other alternatives surfactant chemicals, hygroscopic 

chemicals, and polymers are being considered. It must be pointed out that these products are 

completely innocuous. 

According to the project’s internal safety standards/guidelines, vehicle speed will be controlled. Safety 

standards/guidelines shall be extended to the project location’s immediate surrounding areas paying 

particular attention to surrounding communities. Additionally, circulation outside established roads will 

be restricted. For speed control purposes, the project’s most relevant external roads are those that will 

be shared with the community to travel through the project. 

Trucks hauling borrow or pit material for access road construction will be equipped with tarp to reduce 

dust emissions or material spills during hauling activities. 

Power generators and equipment in general will be subject to a strict periodic maintenance program 

thus ensuring control of their emissions. 

A machine emissions inventory record shall be kept for equipment with highest use. 

It is considered that the aforementioned measures are conservative since the particle matter dispersion 

modeling’s results (Appendix 5.1) indicate that given the orientation and wind speed, topography and 

position of area of operations’ conditions related to inhabited areas that emissions’ geographical reach is 

restricted to the project’s surrounding areas. 

Additionally, it is important to highlight that due to operations within the Yanacocha complex, MYSRL has 

obtained proper understanding of the particle matter generation process and its mitigation at local 

conditions, and successfully applied practices shall be reproduced for the Conga project. 

6.1.3 Impact Mitigation – Noise and Vibration 


Activities that would generate noise and vibration within the project’s area are mentioned next. 



6-4

Construction 

Noise and vibration level variation due to land stripping activities, topsoil removal, earthworks, civil works, 

bog removal, material disposal, SMPE&I systems installation, hauling and transportation of equipment, 

machinery, consumables, and staff, and internal hauling and transportation. 

Operation 

Noise and vibration level variations due to blasting, ore mining, mined material and waste material 

management, waste disposal, ore crushing, conveyor belt operation, temporary disposal of crushed 

material, milling, flotation, thickening, and filtering, concentrate storage, hauling and transportation of 

equipment, machinery, consumables, and staff, and internal hauling and transportation. 


The following measures will be implemented to prevent and mitigate impacts: 

A blasting activity schedule will be implemented for areas particularly sensitive due to their proximity to 

populated areas notifying activities with enough time to the involved communities to perform operations 

in the shortest possible time. Blasting schedule will be given to the communities before starting mine 

operations and, in the event it changes, it will also be given to the communities that may be affected. 

Large explosive charges will be subdivided into smaller and sequential charges. Additionally, the depth 

of blast holes will be designed to confine blast waves. 

Blasting area shall be properly flagged to maintain the population at a safe distance. 

Staff handling explosives will be trained and approved by the corresponding authorities. 

During blasting activities the pit’s surrounding area will be cleared considering a 500 m radius from the 

blast’s center. 

Periodic maintenance will be performed on machinery that will be used and equipment information will 

be reviewed. 

As far as it is possible, water pumps and electric generators to be used will be within acoustic areas that 

mitigate the generation of noise into the environment. 

Given the fact that milling and ancillary activities will be performed within enclosed environments, a 

reduction of noise is expected; however, the results of monitoring the noise generated by these 

activities and those associated to the rest of the concentrator plant will determine the need for 

implementing specific noise attenuation measures. 

According to the noise and vibration modeling results presented in Appendix 5.3 it is estimated that the 

construction stage complies with the allowable limits for every evaluation item corresponding to 

surrounding communities. For the operation stage, the day shift levels comply with the maximum 

allowable limits, while the night shift levels are exceeded in the Agua Blanca settlement located southeast 

from the project’s settlement. At this point, the main source of noise will be from operational and 

vehicular traffic activities. An additional special measure to attenuate this impact will be implemented in 

this settlement which is described next: 

No activity during the night shift will be performed if the distance between the front of the activity and the 

receptors is below 300 linear meters. 

In the specific case of blasting, noise dispersion results show that there aren’t contributions that exceed 

the noise Environmental Quality National Standards at any of the surrounding communities. In the case 

of vibrations due to blasting activities, the modeling shows that there will not be a level that exceeds the 

most restrictive criteria of the DIN 4150:1979 standard, consequently no impact is expected for the 

surrounding communities’ structures. Based on these results, no additional measure to the 

aforementioned is envisioned. 



6-5

6.1.4 Impact Mitigation - Soil 


Next a summary of expected impacts for the Project Conga’s soil during the construction stage is 

included. No associated impact during the operation stage is expected for this area. 

Soil loss due to topsoil removal and earth moving to enable the corresponding areas of direct 

occupation for the Perol and Chailhuagon pits, four topsoil stockpiles, processing facilities, tailing 

management facilities, water management facilities, borrow pits, internal roads, and ancillary facilities. 


To prevent and mitigate these impacts the following measures are proposed: 

All of the project’s works will be planned in order to reduce the areas to be intervened. 

Boundaries of areas to be intervened will be determined. Special attention shall be paid to critical 

erosion areas that for some reason have to be intervened. 

Machinery and equipment shall only circulate through authorized access roads avoiding soil 

compressing in other areas. 

The Best Management Practices of the International Erosion Control Association (BMP-IECA) will be 

taken into account. 

At the same time, construction works and earth moving under aggressive conditions (heavy rainfall, very 

erodible soil, and uneven topography) increase the potential erosion of exposed soils and generation of 

sediments in upset areas, making it indispensable to have several types of control strategies to control 

erosion and avoid any unnecessary increase of an area’s exposure and accelerated loss of soil. 

These strategies are presented in Section 6.5 and are referred to the Erosion and Sediment Control 

Conceptual Plan while characteristics are detailed in the Surface Water and Sediment Management Plan 

presented in Appendix 4.2 of this EIA. The plan’s main purpose is to provide guidelines to avoid any 

unnecessary exposure of unprotected soil thus identifying required materials and techniques to reduce an 

accelerated loss of soil during the Conga project’s construction and operation stages. 

Additional to these measures, specific mitigation measures are presented for the DIA’s soil protection 

main activities which is management of topsoil that will be removed from the infrastructure’s direct 

emplacement and stored in topsoil stockpiles (topsoil stockpiles Nº 1, 2, 3, & 4). Specific measures are 

presented next: 

Removal of Topsoil 

Topsoil will only be removed in those areas affected by excavations, access construction, or compacting 

equipment. Topsoil shall be preferentially handled when dry. 

The extraction of the topsoil layer will be performed with conventional earthwork equipment, such as 

excavators, graders, and trucks. In areas where topsoil is relatively thin, the topsoil will be removed with 

smaller-size equipment to a mixture of horizons reduce to a minimum. At the same time, reiterated 

traffic of machinery on soil will be avoided. 

The depth of topsoil to be extracted will be determined by taking samples from the soil at each facility to 

be constructed. According to soil assessments performed to design the infrastructure of the topsoil’s 

stockpile, approximately 8.85 Mm 3 of this material will be stored in the deposits. Of the total stored 

material, it is estimated that 3.4 Mm 3 will be required for the restoration of the project’s final closure 

stage. 

6.1.4.3 Topsoil Management Measures 

As the topsoil stockpile construction and enabling activities develop, temporary erosion control 

measures will be implemented in such a manner that by the end of the construction stage all permanent 

measures detailed in Appendix 4.2 will be implemented. At the same time, and as a permanent erosion 



6-6

control, revegetation of the topsoil stockpiles will be performed to establish a permanent coverage and 

reduce the potential of erosion and particle matter emissions. 

The deposit’s slopes shall be maintained in accordance with approved plan and slope corrections will be 

performed each time a new stockpile is considered. Based on the topsoil stockpile’s design (Appendix 

4.3), the following design considerations must be included: 

Topsoil stockpile Nº 1 

o Overall slope: 10H:1V 

o Max. height: 50 m 

o Total stored volume: 4.5 Mm 3 




o Total stored volume: 1,7 Mm 3 









In the event that topsoil presents microbiological issues, assessments will be performed to determine 

physical (temperature, humidity, among others) or biological (competence per substrate) deficiencies 

that may affect its feasibility. Based on these assessments, pertinent measures will be taken to ensure 

proper environment for the development of beneficial microorganisms during the topsoil stacking 

process. 

To maintain nitrogen levels, surface of soil stacked for prolonged periods of time (over a year) will be 

planted with species that allow absorption of this element, such as the Fabaceae family, for instance. 

This species was found in the Chailhuagon area and metabolizes nitrogen through its roots since 

include nodes with symbiotic bacteria of the Rhizobia gender that produce nitrogen compounds to 

promote plant growth. 

After disposal of topsoil, MYSRL will take topsoil samples to determine pH, organic matter, and nitrogen 

content to establish the stored topsoil’s initial nutrient composition and determine the plant’s 

macronutrient requirements. 

The soil management plan considers monitoring of chemical and biological indicators to identify 

potential degradation of the soil’s properties correlated to the initial composition data, immediately after 

storing soil at deposits. Monitoring before executing rehabilitation tasks included in the Conceptual 

Closure Plan (Chapter 10) will be stressed. 

Monitoring plan will also evaluate microbial activity such as carbon / nitrogen ratio (C/N) to assess the 

quality of soil’s organic remains. 

6.1.4.4 Revegetation Considerations 

To perform revegetation tasks during the construction and closure stage the following considerations will 

be taken into account: 

Revegetation During Construction Stage 

Topsoil deployment must be performed on a reconstituted portion of land avoiding heavy machinery 

traffic that may compact soil. 



6-7

Before deploying topsoil in areas under remediation during the construction stage, the area’s topsoil 

layer shall be scarified to a minimum depth of 10 cm to ensure blending of topsoil and upset area’s soil. 

Chart 6.1.1. will be applied to determine topsoil volume required for the different areas. It is important to 

point out that topsoil will not be deployed while issues that foster compacting and degradation are still 

present; at the same time, topsoil will not be applied on slopes in excess of 2H:1V to avoid landslides. 

Chart 6.1.1 

Topsoil Volume for Revegetation Purposes During Construction Stage 

Depth (cm) Approximate area of revegetation (m 2 ) 

5 580 

7.5 865 

10 1,140 

12.5 1,430 

15 1,720 

Revegetation during the operation stage is included in the Conceptual Closure Plan, specifically within 

progressive closure activities while revegetation activities at the end of operations are described in the 

final closure section of this chapter. 

6.1.5 Impact Mitigation – Surface Water 


Construction 

Modification of drainage system in terms of collection area variation as the result of activities, such as 

earthworks, at the Toromacho basin, Alto Jadibamba river basin, Alto Chirimayo basin, and 

Chailhuagon river basin. 

Variation of water amount used the construction activities. 

Variation of water amount due to the reduction of rainfall seepage area where the mine’s facilities are 

installed. 

Variation of water amount due to diversion of the Perol, Mala, Azul, and Chica lakes. 

Increase of sediment load due to land stripping activities, topsoil removal, earthworks, civil works, bog 

removal, and construction material disposal of the following facilities, if applicable: Perol and 

Chailhuagon pits, Perol and Chailhuagon waste rock facilities, topsoil stockpiles, processing 

installations, tailing management facilities, water management facilities, borrow material plan, internal 

roads, and ancillary facilities. 

Discharge of acid water generated by the removal of the Perol bog and waste material from the Perol 

deposit to develop the Perol pit. 

Operation 

Water amount variation due to the use of this resource during the provisioning of required fresh water 

for the mining process. 

Water amount variation due to dewatering activities at the Perol and Chailhuagon pits. 

Sediment load increase due to ore mining activities, waste material disposal, provisional disposal of 

crushed material, and tailings disposal, as applicable, at the following project facilities: Perol and 

Chailhuagon pits, Perol and Chailhuagon waste rock storage facilities and tailings storage facilities. 

Acid flow from Perol pit, Perol waste rock storage facility, topsoil stockpiles, and tailing storage facility. 

Water use flows from the different project facilities (processing facilities, operation of provisional storage 

facilities, among others). 


The project’s impact mitigation measures for surface water have been divided into three groups that cover 

main impacts on surface water from the project. These mitigation measures can be grouped into: 



6-8

Mitigation measures due to drainage system modifications and variation of storage capacity. 

Mitigation measures due to water quality variations. 

Mitigation measures due to water quantity variations. 

These mitigation measures have been designed to recover environmental water services provided by 

water bodies and bogs to the ecosystem. Measures presented to recover other environmental services 

such as a wildlife habitat proposal are included in Section 6.1.7. 

Environmental services analyzed in this section and basis for mitigation measure design purposes are: 

Storage and regulation capacity for lentic water bodies provided by the Azul, Chica, Mala, Perol, and 

Chailhuagon lakes. 

Sediment control services for bog’s hydromorphic vegetation. 

Bog water flow regulation services. 

A part of surface water impact mitigation measures are included in the Surface Water and Sediment 

Management Plan prepared by Golder (Appendix 4.2). At the same time, due to the difficulties to 

separate environmental control measures from the design criteria, EIA’s Chapter 4 includes engineering 

measures incorporated from the initial conception of the project’s infrastructure to prevent adverse 

impacts on the environment. In this section strategies included in previous paragraphs for the operation 

of this infrastructure as a function of discussed environmental impact management activities were 

developed. 

On the other hand, it is understood that by mitigating impacts in terms of water quantity and quality from 

an environmental perspective, resulting social impacts are being mitigated; however, they are discussed 

in more detailed in the specific sections on the subject (Chapter 5). 

6.1.5.3 Mitigation Measures Due To Drainage System Modifications and Storage Capacity Variations 

According to the Surface Water and Sediment Management Plan (Appendix 4.2), objectives are: 

Reduce contact water quantity (water that requires specific handling) when intercepting non-contact 

surface water before entering the area of influence or mixing with contact water. 

Reduce sediment generation sources by implementing strict BMPs during the construction and 

operation stages and actively recover the project’s area during the operational stage. 

Collect and manage contact water, canaling run-off and drainage from the project’s facilities to a water 

treatment system or to the project’s facilities that use water. 

In general, contact water can be divided into two types, water contact with PAG material (PAG contact 

water) and water contact with non-PAG material (non-PAG water contact). In the first case (PAG water 

contact) surface (or ground) water is included that has been under contact or that has been exposed to: 

Excavated rock at the Perol pit (waste rock storage facility) 

Perol pit walls, Perol bog 

Tailings 


Deposit of material with ore content below cut-off grade but that still represents economic potential 

(LoM) 

In the second case (non-PAG water contact) surface and groundwater is included that has been exposed 

to: 

Chailhuagon pit rock (waste rock storage facility, haul road) 



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Chailhuagon pit walls 

Other areas that include non-PAG material 

This classification is based on the geochemical characterization provided in Section 3.2.6 of the Study 

Area Description – Socio-environmental Baseline. 

Appendix’s 4.2 Figure 8 shows PAG and and non-PAG contact water circuit for the project’s 

infrastructure. 

Non-contact water refers to surface water that is diverted around the mining facilities or groundwater that 

does not surface into a mining facility. Appendix 4.2’s Figure 5 shows non-contact water circuit for the 

project’s facilities. In the event that non-contact water is mixed with contact water, it will be considered as 

contact water. 

Water Diversion Structures 

The project’s location will generate a variation of natural drainage systems and special measures have 

been considered to avoid that contact water (i.e., water that enters in contact with infrastructure) mixes 

with natural water. 

At the same time, according to the description included in the Surface Water and Sediment Management 

Plan, prepared by Golder, and included in Appendix 4.2, the purpose of these structures is to reduce the 

amount of contact water through the interception of run-off before it reaches areas occupied by the 

project’s infrastructure that includes characteristics that may affect the flow’s condition or that mixes with 

low quality water. Another purpose of these structures is to collect and manage the totality of contact 

water, canaling run-off and seepage from the mine’s facilities to the acid water treatment plant or another 

facility that allows a safe environmental flow management. 

Consequently, the Surface Water and Sediment Management Plan will include diversion canals for noncontact 

water to limit the quantity of this water reaching mining facilities. Additionally, the design includes 

the preparation of contact water canals, sewers, and drainage to collect contact water and transport it to a 

sediment facility, acid water treatment plant, milling/grinding area, or concentrator plant, as applicable. 

A summary of the water management plan involved is presented next, per basin. This description per 

drainage unit is detailed in Appendix 4.2. 

Alto Jadibamba River and Toromacho Basins 

The Alto Jadibamba river and the Toromacho basins will host tailings storage facilities, concentrator plant, 

Perol waste rock storage facility, Upper and Lower reservoirs, acid water treatment plant, and two topsoil 

stockpiles (Figure 2, Appendix 2). 

Taking a conservative approach, it is assumed that basin’s contact water will have an influence on 

contact acid water and consequently it will require treatment before its discharge or consumption at 

facilities. 

The Surface Water and Sediment Management Plan includes three components for the Alto Jadibamba 

river (Figure 3, Appendix 4.2) and Toromacho basin: 

Water diversion canal system for non-contact water to control run-off flow of non-contact surface water 

within the tailings storage facilities’ area towards and through other facilities at the basin. 

A retention of contact water at the main dam’s upstream tailings storage facilities and use of contact 

water at the concentrator plant. 

A storage system to retain and release water for mine use, to mitigate potential impacts of base flows, 

and improve resource availability for downstream users, which is detailed in the following subsection. 



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The Alto Chirimayo basin will include the Chailhuagon waste rock storage facility, haul road, primary 

crusher, coarse ore stockpile, one topsoil stockpile, the Perol reservoir, conveyor belt, and Perol pit as 

shown in Figure 2, Appendix 4.2. The Surface Water and Sediment Management Plan for the Alto 

Chirimayo basin (Figure 4, Appendix 4.2) includes three components: 

A non-contact water diversion system to avoid surface water run-off mixing with contact water and 

minimize run-off quantity towards or through the mine’s facilities at the basin. 

A PAG contact water collection system for the Perol pit, coarse ore stockpile, and primary crusher to 

collect contact water and seepage and route them to the concentrator plant and a non-PAG contact 

water collection system to collect and forward flows and seepage to the Chirmayo sedimentat pond. 

A storage system to mitigate potential impacts and improve resource availability for downstream users, 

which is detailed in the following subsection. 

Chailhuagon River Basin 

The Chailhuagon river basin will host the Chailhuagon pit, one topsoil stockpile, and the Chailhuagon 

reservoir. The Surface Water and Sediment Management Plan for the Chailhuagon river basin (Figure 4, 

Appendix 4.2) includes three components: 

A non-contact water interception system to avoid natural run-off from entering the pit, topsoil stockpile, 

and sedimentation pond. 

A storage system to mitigate potential impacts and improve resource availability for downstream users 

which is detailed in the following subsection. 

A contact water collection system (run-off and seepage) that will be transferred to the sedimentation 

pond before discharging it to the environment. 

Construction of reservoirs 

Considering the impacts described in Chapter 5, the infrastructure’s location will affect the environmental 

services related to the project’s water resource. Environmental assets and services can be synthesized 

as follows: 

Effective collection areas of pluvial precipitation: formed by surfaces of the study area. 

Storage and regulation of flow due to the presence of lakes. 

Storage and regulation of flow due to the presence of hydromorphic vegetation, especially at the bogs 

area. 

Taking into account these environmental services and the socio-economical relevance that water has in 

this area, one of the objectives of the water storage systems design has been to efficiently mitigate 

potential negative impacts. 

To that effect and according with the project’s description, MYSRL will build reservoirs to compensate 

described impacts. Reservoirs will store water during the wet season and will provide this resource 

during the dry season to ensure the resource’s supply for the project’s requirements and replenish 

estimated flow loss as consequence of the affectation of aforementioned environmental services. The 

EIA’s Chapter 4 includes reservoir characteristics and socio-environmental sequels of operations are 

included in the subsection dedicated to mitigation measures due to water amount variation at the basins 

downstream from the facilities. 

From a purely hydrological point of view, water storage in these reservoirs is an effective measure to 

compensate the loss of lentic water bodies represented by the Perol, Mala, Azul, and Chica lakes. 

The following summary chart includes estimated storage capacity of original lakes located in the project’s 

area and estimated water storage capacity considering reservoir implementation strategies. At the same 



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time, chart shows the modification type that will be applied on water volume as consequence of the 

project’s execution. 

Chart 6.1.2 

Modifications of Lentic Water Bodies’ Storage Capacity As Consequence of the Project 

Original Lake Capacity (m 3 ) 97 Reservoir Capacity (m 3 ) 

Type of 

Modifications 

Perol Lake 800,000 Perol 800,000 Transfer 

Chica Lake 

Azule Lake 

100,000 

400,000 

Upper 7,600,000 

Transfer 

Transfer 

Mala Lake 

Chailhuagon Lake 

100,000 

1,200,000 

Chailhuagon 1,430,000 

Transfer 

Capacity expansion 

- - Lower 1,000,000 Run-off reservoir 

Total 2,600,000 - 10,830,000 - 

Graph 6.1.1 shows a comparison of water storage capacity variation between the basal scenario and a 

project scenario including proposed reservoirs. 

This graph and previous chart show the notoriously higher storage capacity of the components and full 

system. The area’s capacity to store lentic surface water within the project’s area would be increased in 

approximately 8,230,000 cubic meters (m 3 ). We must point out that these values are only an indication of 

the surface water’s storage capacity volume; it does not refer to available water volume since evidently 

there are water level fluctuations at each mentioned facility. It is important to mention that, for 

comparison purposes, a volume of 100,000 m 3 has been considered for the Mala and Chica lakes, which 

represents a conservative estimation. 

Although it is true that the Upper reservoir will become the main source of water for the mining 

operations, storage capacity will be available to the drainage systems by the end of the project’s useful 

life for better use based on the area’s future requirements. Storage capacity of the Chica and Azul lakes 

will be compensated and exceeded as consequence of the mentioned reservoir’s location (Graph 6.1.1). 

The Perol lake’s storage capacity will be compensated with the same storage capacity at the Perol 

reservoir (Figure 4.3.4) hence it is expected that this service will be maintained. 

The storage capacity loss compensation strategy for the Mala Lake will be part of the storage increased 

capacity compensation design for the Chailhuagon Lake. The addition of the Mala and Chailhuagon 

original lakes’ storage (1.30 million cubic meters [Mm 3 ]) is below the capacity that the Chailhuagon 

reservoir will have available (1.43 Mm 3 more, 2.6 Mm 3 in total); consequently, the compensation rate is 

considered adequate. 

Lastly, the Lower reservoir will be the transformation of a portion of the Jadibamba River into a lentic 

water body with the resulting creation of storage capacity within the system. This new storage capacity 

will be of approximately 1,000,000 m 3 . 

6.1.5.4 Mitigation Measures for Surface Water Quality Modifications 

There is a series of measures specially designed as part of the project’s description to prevent affectation 

of surface water quality. These measures are specially oriented to: 

97 Estimated Values. Storage capacity may be lower due to rainfall variability and projected discharge. 



6-12

The construction of a treatment infrastructure based on requirements. 

Flow treatment to control sediment content. 

Mitigation measures to reduce impacts on surface water are closely linked to the non-contact diversion 

structures and PAG and non-PAG contact water system discussed in the previous subsection. 

Avoidance of natural run-off entering in contact with the project’s infrastructure is not only a mitigation 

measure to attenuate impacts related to the modification of the drainage system, it also constitutes one of 

the main measures to avoid altering the water quality of the infrastructure’s downstream drainage system. 

Another very important measure to prevent impacts on water quality consists of avoiding PAG and non- 

PAG water directly entering into the environment. These transport systems that discharge into treatment 

facilities were also previously mentioned for each basin involved. This subsection mentions the 

environmental management systems related to PAG and non-PAG contact water treatment facilities 

where run-offs and/or seepage are discharged. 

Next measures considered to mitigate potential impacts on surface water quality are described in more 

detail. 

Sediment Management Plan 

The concept sediment and water management plan is to use the Best Management Practices (BMP) to 

reduce the potential of generating impacts on surface water bodies. Specific sediment management 

BMPs during the construction and operation stages include: 

Schedule works with a higher wildlife upset potential during the dry season, as far as it is possible. 

Efficiently remove the topsoil and store it in deposits that reduce the wind and water erosion impact; 

Reduce, during the design stage, the size of disturbed areas at each basin; 

Restore disturbed areas as quickly as possible; 

Control natural vegetation disturbances during the wet season; 

Provide temporary sedimentation ponds during the construction stage; 

Provide dams and/or fences along the trenches path; 

Inspect and control erosion and sediments frequently. 

At the same time, it is worth mentioning that as the pits develop, the same will also serve as efficient 

control structures for any sediment generated upstream. 

Additionally, the following BMPs are proposes for the construction stage: 

Build non-contact water diversion structures before land stripping activities and downstream facility 

construction of these diversions. 

Maximize the roads’ cross slope to quickly remove water from the same during rainfall events. 

Level construction work areas and provide trenches, gutters, or temporary water collection facilities to 

discharge run-offs. 

The sediment permanent control facilities for the construction stage include tailings main dam and 

Toromacho dam at the Alto Jadibamba River, and Toromacho basin and the sediment ponds at the Alto 

Chirimayo and Chilhuagon River basins. These measures will also serve to replace environmental 

services delivered by the bog that will be lost as result of the project’s emplacement. Among other 

environmental services, sediment retention constitutes one the most important services from a water 

quality standpoint. According to several sources (Brown, 1985; EPA, 2001; FDA, 2005; USGS, 2006; 

RAMSAR 2007), the areas with hydromorphic vegetation constitute an important sediment drain so its 

loss would increase the content of water solids. 



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A summary of the Surface Water and Sediment Management Plan for each basin where potential impacts 

are expected is discussed next. 

Alto Jadibamba River and Toromacho Basins’ Sediment Management Plan 

It is expected that the area’s sediment sources will be retained at the tailings storage facilitiy o they will be 

stored in the main tailings dam or at the Toromacho dam. 

Alto Chirimayo Basin’s Sediment Management Plan 

It is expected that sediments from this basin be stored mainly at the Chirimayo sediment pond. 

Chailhuagon River Basin’s Sediment Management Plan 

It is expected that sediments from this basin will be mainly stored at the Chailhuagon sediment pond. 

Acid Water Treatment Plant 

According to the studies performed and as described in the section pertaining the operational stage, 

characteristics present in the tailings storage facilities (supernatant pond) which consist of a mixture of 

contact water with the Perol waste rock storage facility’s material and the tailings dam itself, will not allow 

a safe environmental discharge of this flow; consequently, the construction and operation of an acid water 

treatment plant was considered for the Conga project. 

Plant’s design is included in Appendix 4.7 of the EIA. The plant will have a nominal treatment capacity of 

850 cubic meters per hour (m 3 /h) and will be located at the Alto Jadibamba River’s basin. 

The treatment circuit will include alkaline tanks, pre-treatment tanks, stabilization tanks, feeding tanks, 

two clarifier reactors, collection tanks, and sand filter system before the water is discharged into the 

Lower reservoir. 

Additionally, the water management strategy includes a mixture of water rich in sulfate with water poor in 

sulfate, to comply with water environmental quality domestic standards, since the water balance indicates 

there will be higher concentrations of low sulfate water. Treated water will be discharged into the Lower 

reservoir and it will be blended with existing water, either by discharge or storage at the Lower reservoir 

before its posterior release into the environment. 

Other facilities parts of the system are the sulfuric acid plant, lime plant, electric substation, sludge plant, 

pre-treatment plant, and flocculants plant (anion and cation). 

This plant is designed to allow water meet at least with the ECAs for water, Category 3, in compliance 

with D.S. Nº 002-2008-MINAM. 

6.1.5.5 Mitigation Measures for Water Quantity Variation 

As consequence of the project’s emplacement and operation, there will be changes associated with a 

variation of water quantity. 

The hydrological impact studies estimations for bog removal from the study area were performed based 

on the FDA (FDA, 2005). The study’s results conclude that the removal implies a persistent loss of flow. 

These results are aligned with other sources that mention the importance of bogs in hydrological systems 

(EPA, 2001; RAMSAR 2007). In more specific terms, according to other authors, bogs provide an evident 

regulatory function by retaining water during the wet season and releasing it during the dry season (UNA, 

2001; ISA, 2006). 

We must point out that in the case of the area’s bog, it has been verified that they do not significantly 

contribute to the flow of the basins they discharge to. Since mitigation measures are designed to 

compensate flow reductions, the bog’s regulatory effect would also be considered in the mitigation 

design. 



6-14

In this manner the flow reduction due to a collection area reduction and bog coverage reduction, has 

been considered in the project’s design through the operation of four reservoirs. 

In the case of environmental services recovery for aforementioned bogs, including wildlife, corresponding 

mitigations measures are included in Section 6.1.7. 

Regarding flows that will be discharged from each reservoir to mitigate potential environmental impacts 

due to water amount variations, they have been established in function of the estimated flow for the 

different basins that will be affected by the project through a HFAM model (Section 5.2.4.5) based on the 

reduction of catchment areas for the dry season. 

Estimated basin HFAM mitigation flows, calibrated with data generated as part of the monitoring activities 

and checked through a hydrogeological system model via MODFLOW, are the following: 

Alto Jadibamba River Basin: 33.1 l/s. 

Toromacho Basin: 1 l/s. 

Alto Chirimayo Basin: 7.3 l/s. 

Chailhuagon River Basin: 9.7 l/s. 

This flow will be discharged from June to October which are the months that represent the period where 

flow reductions would represent a high impact if these changes are not properly compensated. 

It is also important to mention that the feasibility of this flow’s discharge has been verified through a water 

balance developed by Golder for the Conga project (Appendix 4.14) via GOLDSIM. 

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that in addition to the discussed mitigation flows, the project will mitigate 

generated impacts to flows used by downstream users. 

6.1.6 Impact Mitigation – Groundwater 


Next expected impacts on groundwater within the project’s area during the construction and operation 

stages are summarized. 

Construction 

Alteration of groundwater flows (variation of catchment area, hence, quantity of groundwater) resulting 

from the direct occupation generated by activities such as earthworks, civil works, among other, at the 

Toromacho, Alto Jadibamba River, Alto Chirimayo, and Chailhuagon River basins. 

Variation of groundwater quality due to seepage from the tailing storage facility location, the Perol waste 

rock storage facility, and the Perol bog. However, minor changes are expected, since the amount of 

sulfurous rock exposed to atmospheric oxygen will be minimal. 

Operation 

Alteration of groundwater flows (variation of collection area and, consequently, the quantity of 

groundwater) due to direct occupation of the project’s items, mainly the Perol and Chailhuagon pits, at 

the basins associated to the project. 



6-15

Variation of groundwater quality due to seepage from the tailing storage facility location areas and from 

the Perol waste rock storage facility 98 . 


Mitigation Measures for Groundwater Flow Alterations 

Conga project’s general strategy to mitigate impacts generated by groundwater quantity variations is 

oriented towards an attenuation of groundwater flows reduction effects that would develop if the project is 

not developed within its boundaries. Hence, the impact mitigation within the hydrogeological component 

is tightly related to the mitigation of impacts on the surface water component. 

Regarding this matter, the Conga project includes compensation measures for groundwater flows impacts 

that include the operation of four reservoirs to compensate manifestations of these flows outside the 

project’s development’s scope. The environmental services related to the ecosystem are analyzed in 

Section 6.1.7, bog management. 

We must point out that the hydrological resource within the area under study is quite limited since it is 

reduced mainly due to alluvial material flow in quite shallow layers that surface within the project’s 

surroundings. Considering the aforementioned, the impact mitigation strategy for this subcomponent as 

part of the surface water impact management design is considered as adequate. 

Mitigation Measures for Groundwater Quality Variation 

As mentioned previously, the project has been conceived so that a proper surface water management 

reduces the potential of impact on surface water quality for mitigation measures of groundwater flows 

impacts. 

The presence of a contact water management circuit designed to avoid a mixture of surface water of 

involved basins, thus reducing seepage potentials that may have an impact on the hydrogeological 

resource’s quality. This circuit was discussed in the previous section corresponding to mitigation 

measures for surface water impacts. 

Regarding PAG contact water that may have an impact on the water’s quality, management facilities, 

including treatment facilities (Chapter 4), will be designed to reduce water seepage to groundwater risks 

that require treatment. 

In general, the concept of PAG contact water management includes its disposal in a “closed system”, in 

hydrological and hydrogeological terms, to reduce the risk of this water reaching the hydrogeological 

subcomponent. Considering this requirement, project flows with these characteristics will be directed to 

the tailings storage facility. 

In the particular case of the Perol waste rock storage facility, dewatering piping will be installed before 

placing the waste rock material, to capture seepage and canal them towards the tailings storage facility, 

specifically to the supernatant pond, via piping. Specific details are included in Appendix 4.11. The 

floating pond will include vertical pumps that will forward excess to the acid water treatment plant. Once 

the water is treated, it will be discharged via piping to the Lower Reservoir. In addition, due to the existing 

karstic material area within the facilities proposed trail, the following measures have been proposed to 

98 Although Perol pit’s walls show the potential of generating acidity, no impact is estimated within the 

surroundings of this facility since the pit will be kept dewatered via a pump system that includes proper 

treatment during operations. 



6-16

avoid any kind of seepage that may take place within this area (east of the Perol waste rock storage 

facility): 

Seepage collecting ponds installed in the northeast portion of the Perol waste rock storage facility. 

Lining of karstic area. 

A minor change to the final boundaries of the proposed trail for the Perol waste rock storage facility. 

Alternate dewatering configurations that divert seepage towards the east of the Perol waste rock 


Regarding the Perol pit, the water that is extracted trough the pumping system will be routed towards the 

tailings storage facility and will become part of the volume stored at the supernatant pond. 

Regarding water management, dewatering pipes will be installed at the Chailhuagon waste rock storage 

facility to capture seepage and discharge it to the Chirimayo sediment pond. However, considering the 

geochemical characteristics of this facility, it is not expected that seepage of same will compromise the 

quality of the hydrogeological component. 

Likewise, it is not expected that the water volume removed from the Chailhuagon pit to show chemical 

characteristics that represent a risk for the referred component. Appendix 4.2 includes specific details 

about this management item. 

The destination of PAG and non-PAG contact water from the waste rock storage facility is part of the 

project’s water management plan, which is explained in detail in Appendix 4.2. 

Lastly, in the case of the tailings storage facility, firstly, the use of thickened tailings already avoids 

seepage from the tailings storage facility, since they are not segregated. At the same time, 

geomembrane lining will be installed at key locations. Additionally, to avoid that seepage flow from the 

tailings storage facility, and under a conservative scenario, the project’s design includes the installation of 

a seepage collection system at the Alto Jadibamba River’s basin and at the Toromacho basin. This will 

avoid flows that may cross the main and Toromacho dams compromising the basal condition of this 

structure’s downstream environment. 

Having this potential impact present, a seepage management dam has been projected for the Alto 

Jadibamba River’s basin which will be located between the main dam and the Lower reservoir’s dam 

(Figure 4.3.3). This dam will allow the accumulation of controlled seepage to return them to the tailings 

storage facility dam through a pump system. 

A seepage collector will be built at the Toromacho basin that will return seepage to the system, 

specifically towards the tailings dam via a small dam or an intercept, divert, water collection structure 

system that delivers the water to a pump system. 

Next is included a description of relevant characteristics of the tailings storage facility and seepage 

collectors that have been conceived to reduce the likelihood of seepage contact with groundwater. 

Regarding the tailings storage facility, the main and Toromacho dams will have a clay core on bedrock 

including a cement grout injection treatment. 

Although the main and Toromacho dams are designed including this feature to facilitate seepage 

control, the likelihood is not completely ruled out; hence, the project considers the implementation of a 

seepage control system for the main damn and the Toromacho dam. 

In the main dam’s case, a seepage management dam associated to the seepage collection pond has 

been planned, which will contain flow to later be pumped to the storage tanks. The seepage damn is 

designed to have a 0.1 Mm 3 volume and 25 height and details are included in Appendix 4.6. 



6-17

In the Toromacho dam’s case a seepage collection system located under the dam will be available, 

which will include diversion and collection structures that will deliver water to a pump system. Design is 

included in Appendix 4.6. 

6.1.7 Impact Mitigation –Biological Environment 

This section presents prevention and mitigation measures for the following environmental 

subcomponents: wildlife, land wildlife and water wildlife. 

6.1.7.1 Wildlife 

Expected Impacts 

Next is included a brief summary of the impacts that would affect the wildlife sub-component during the 

construction and operation stages. 

Construction 

Coverage loss due to land stripping activities for the construction of project’s facilities. 

Impact on wild vegetation life due to land stripping activities for the construction of the project’s facilities. 

Operation 

No impact on the wildlife is expected during the operational stage since changes within this component 

will take place during the construction stage. 

Mitigation Measures 

Measures included to reduce impacts on wildlife are detailed next. 

The construction activities will be planned in such a manner that areas to be intervened are reduced. 

Area demarcation and prior identification where mining facilities will be located, will avoid unnecessarily 

affecting other areas. 

Land stripping staff will be trained on recognizing the previously established boundaries in order to 

avoid stripping areas located outside the predetermined area. 

Material obtained from land stripping activities that are not assigned to construction activities will be 

located to stockpiles or spread in stripped areas that require protection against potential erosion 

impacts. 

The areas affected by the infrastructure’s emplacement will be revegetated after being enabled after the 

reconstitution work. These activities will be gradually performed at the end of the construction stage 

and they are described in the Conceptual Closure Plan (Chapter 10). 

The existing MSYRL greenhouses, which are currently operating as part of the Maqui Maqui facilities, 

will be used. These greenhouses will be employed for the propagation of the native species. Among 

the species to be propagated are considered those that may be affected during the construction 

activities and that will be later used during remediation and closure works. 

MYSRL’s staff and contractors will be trained on the importance of preserving wildlife species being 

forbidden the collection or trade of wildlife species by workers. 

At the same time, the staff will be trained on the presence of protected species as per the INRENA list 

(D.S. Nº 043-2006-AG) and found within the project’s area of influence. This list is related to the 

formation of vegetation and the locations where it can be primarily found, stressing Ephedra rupestris 

“pinco pinco”, Solanum jalcae, Polylepis racemosa “queñua”, Buddleja incana “quishuar”, Buddleja 

longifolia “quishuar”, species under conservation priority and classified under Critical Risk (CR). Of 

these species, according to the impact evaluation presented in Chapter 5, the ones directly within the 

project’s boundaries are Ephedra rupestris “pinco pinco” and Solanum jalcae. The rest of the species 

are found downstream from the project’s boundaries so they are not directly affected; nevertheless, it 

may be possible that other isolated individual species are found during field activities. At the same time, 

these species and others considered in Vulnerable (VU) or Near Threatened (NT) status will be part of 

the Environment Management Plan for revegetation activities. 



6-18

Regarding bogs, due to the infrastructure’s location approximately 103 ha of this vegetation will be lost. 

The loss of bogs is expected to be compensated through the recovery strategy proposed further ahead 

in this chapter. 

The compensation of environmental services provided by bogs has been discussed in previous 

chapters and the compensation strategies for ecosystemic assets and services are presented in the 

wildlife impact mitigation measure’s section. 

Bogs that are not lost as the result of the infrastructure’s location within the project’s area will be 

conserved and studies will be performed to determine the best recovery alternatives for them. 

These studies will serve to implement an adequate vegetation layer during the closure stage at the 

tailings storage facility. According to the project’s description, the tailings disposal area will be a 

wetland for the closure stage. The research studies will deliver the required information to establish the 

type and distribution of an optimal vegetation layer for the closure stage. 

Management Plan for Species Under Conservation Status 

According to the aforementioned, as a result of the location of the project’s infrastructure the Ephedra 

rupestris and Solanum jalcae species will be affected. At the same time, there is the possibility that the 

project’s infrastructure isolated individual species such as Polylepis racemosa “queñua”, Buddleja incana 

“quishuar”, Buddleja longifolia “quishuar”. The latter species are mainly distributed east and southeast of 

the project; consequently, they have been included in the proposed management system. Next a specific 

management program for these species is included, which will be closely linked to the propagation 

strategies currently performed at the Maqui Maqui facilities. 

According to the environmental baseline study (Chapter 3), the Ephedra rupestris “pinco pinco” specie 

shows a distribution within the project’s boundaries. It develops as a dry shrub of woody stems, of almost 

an inconspicuous green color, and very resistant to droughts, since in the driest areas it may be the only 

live shrub. It is a plant variable in size, from creeping shrubs to straight shrubs, but it is singled out by 

end branches almost always straight. It is a glabrous plant, somewhat clustered at the base, tuberiferous 

grass recognized in several paramunas communities in north and central Peru (León et ál., 2007). 

The management program includes three stages which are described next. 

Collection of Botanical Seeds and Vegetation Portions 

This phase includes the removal of individual parts to test posterior propagation. Collection activities will 

be performed during the land conditioning phases and before the operation’s activities. During the 

enabling of the areas belonging to the project infrastructure’s location a collection of botanical seeds with 

sexual propagation potential and plants sections (twigs, shoots, etc.) with asexual propagation potential 

will be performed. As much material as possible will be collected and damaged specimens will be 

discarded. Regarding the Solanum jalcae species, the methodology will be similar. Efforts will be 

dedicated to locate species that may be affected from which the largest amount possible of seeds and 

unharmed twigs before starting land stripping activities will be performed. Seeds and tubers will be used 

in posterior tests. Collected material will be forwarded to the existing propagation installations at 

MYSRL’s Maqui Maqui area. 

Propagation Tests 

The objective of these tests is to evaluate the success of the species’ propagation. The tests include 

seed collection (sexual reproduction), twigs, shoots, etc. in the case of Ephedra rupestris, and tubers in 

the case of Solanum jalcae (vegetation propagation material), of the species. In the case of Solanum 

jalcae, tubers are recommended since the plants are stronger, grow faster, and blooming is larger than 

the use of twigs or shoots. The result of these tests will establish the feasibility of implementing a species 

reintroduction plan at the affected areas, mainly during the closure stage. After collecting activities, 

feasibility will be tested for botanical seeds and vegetation sections with propagation purposes. This 

feasibility will be evaluated via in situ and ex situ tests. To perform the ex situ tests, a greenhouse will be 

installed in the area. Solanum jalcae seedlings will be grown at the greenhouses before being 

transplanted to the field. Tests will be performed with different types of seedbeds taking into account that, 



6-19

due to their small size, lose, soft and fine soil with a high content of organic matter and good drainage is 

required to obtain uniform and strong seedling growth. Since the seedlings’ initial state is delicate, the 

best soil or substrate physical and fertile conditions and pathogen-free environment must be stressed out. 

Seedling transplant is more advisable than planting seeds directly since the latter requires more care, 

better soil condition and humidity. 

Transplant of Seedlings 

In the event of obtaining viable Ephedra rupestris seedlings they will be transplanted to the field after 

selecting their best location. The transplant of Solanum jalcae to the field is less risky than direct planting 

since seedlings have a development and photosynthesis in a self-sufficiency degree that allows them to 

adapt more quickly to the new environment. To reduce transplant stress a minimum humidity difference 

between the seed bed and field must be kept. Additionally, the time dedicated to remove seedlings from 

seed bed and transplant them to the field must be minimal. Small holes are done in the field and a 

seedling is placed in each with a portion of seed bed as soil, watering immediately after; the holes must 

have a minimal spacing of 30 cm. Transplant must be performed during afternoon hours (after 3 p.m.) 

when the solar radiation is lower. Seedlings must be monitored during the days following the transplant 

to prevent plagues and diseases. 

After its propagation, the Ephedra and Solanum will be moved to their final location, within MYSRL’s 

property, specifically in areas where they will not be affected by the structure’s location. The specimens’ 

location and in situ and ex situ strategy combination for its propagation will be decided during these 

phase considering the studies that will be performed during the pre-construction stage. 

Regarding the Buddleja and Polylepis species (colles and queñuas), vegetal matter of the species 

present in the area and its surroundings will be collected for its propagation at the MYSRL’s greenhouse 

located in Maqui Maqui. 

Among the objectives of propagation and posterior tree planting from both genders are: 

Create environmental assets and services for the ecosystem: animal shelter, thermal regulation, 

pollination, among other. 

Improve landscape’s quality. 

The areas assigned for colles and queñua planting will be those within MYSRL’s property, out of reach 

from any projected work. 

Planting will be performed based on the species and in function of the highest reproductive success. For 

that purpose, a combination of sexual and asexual methods will be applied to have plant viability. 

Seeding will be performed in-situ. In situ seeding will include the adaptation of a specific protocol for the 

areas to be seeded. Ex situ seeding will require the implementation of an equipped greenhouse that 

provides enough space to accommodate an amount of seedlings decided based on studies previously 

performed. 

Both types of seedings will be performed due to the feasibility of uncertainty in the mentioned area as 

consequence of weather variations. Ex situ planting will require a previous adaptation of seedlings to the 

target planting environments to avoid or reduce stress due to microweather changes. 

The “queñua” (Polylepis sp.) botanical seed shows a low germination rate (Aguirre, 1986). At the same 

time, there is an absence of viable seeds in most of the mountain range (Pretell et ál., 1985) so the most 

common reproduction form is through vegetation or asexual, twigs or small branches, conventional 

cuttings or shoots. Of these methods, the most reliable and advisable is twigs since reproduction is high 

when the method is applied correctly and because it does not have such a high impact on seeding trees. 



6-20

To obtain good results, branches that have a good base, at least three bulges or “bumps”, area where 

roots will form (preformed roots) will be searched. These explants will be from adult trees of at least 30 

years of age, isolated and that have good humidity content. The recommended season to obtain the best 

off springs from twigs is the wet season (Pretell et ál., 1985). To produce “queñua” via twigs, it is 

recommended to plant them in 15 x 20 cm plastic bags, conserve its foliage, and treat them with root 

hormones such as “rootone”. At the same time, it is recommended the use of inert materials such as 

substrate that will not cause explants to rot such as turf and sand in a 1:1 ratio (Aguirre, 1998). Adequate 

time for the plants to be in a greenhouse is a minimum of 18 months (Pretell et ál., 1985) and they will be 

located in places that have soils rich in organic matter, well drained and good in humidity. 

For the propagation of “colle” or “quishuar” (Buddleja sp.), the use of seeds is adequate since they have 

relatively stable germination capabilities (Aguirre, 1998). For the sexual propagation of this gender, 

seeds will be collected when fruits, capsule style, start opening. The collected seeds will be stored in 

paper bags and labeled. Adequate substrate for seeds is the use of black dirt and farm dirt in a 1:1 ratio, 

with a moderately acid pH (about 4.5) to avoid the propagation of fungi (Pretell et ál., 1985). When 

seedlings are approximately 3 cm high bags are replanted in 13 x 18 cm bags that include compost, black 

dirt, and farm dirt in a 1:1:1 proportion. Since the area where propagation will be performed is above 

4000 m, it is recommended to cover the greenhouse’s beds with some type of plastic tunnel (Pretell et ál., 

1985). 

Asexual propagation is recommended for species such as B. incana and B. longifolia that do not produce 

seeds since frost burns inflorescences. The most popular asexual propagation is through sticks and the 

collection of biological material is recommended between November and February (Aguirre, 1998). Trees 

will be selected and 20 and 30 cm slightly barky sticks will be extracted. Before planting sticks in 

substrate, it is recommended to use a rooting hormone such as “rootone”, then they will be planted in a 

substrate of compost and sand in a 1:1 ration and then protected in a low shed. During the introduction of 

these species in the project’s area it is recommended to plant them in the Lower edges of the seepage 

trenches (Pretell et ál., 1985). 

The specimens that will be used to supply propagation material will be those compromised by a project 

work (if applicable). In the case that no specimen is compromised by any of the projected structures, a 

collection shall be performed (sexual and asexual, as applicable) of specimens located in the 

surroundings. 

Bog Management Plan 

According to what was mentioned at the beginning of this section, due to the infrastructure’s location 

approximately 103 ha of this vegetation formation will be lost. To compensate the loss of bogs it has 

been considered to previously establish the environmental services generated by this vegetation 

formation to be able to design special management strategies for each one of them. The bogs’ 

environmental services in the considered area of study are: 

Water regulation and sediment drain (biogeochemical functions) 

Generation of fauna habitat 

Visual quality 

Cattle food source 

The environmental services linked to the water resource were already treated in Section 6.1.5 surface 

water impact mitigation measures; hence, impacts from the project show the proper compensation 

measures. This section will deal with bog environmental management for the last three environmental 

services. 

The loss of bogs in the area will be compensated through the establishment of a wetland in the tailings 

storage facility area for the closure stage, according to the Conceptual Closure Plan (Chapter 10). 



6-21

Although wetland implementation details will be explained in the final closure study that will be presented 

up to a year after the approval of this EIA, the plan’s philosophy considers two revegetation strategies: 

One portion of the tailings will be used to create a wetland environment 

The remnant, if possible from an eco-toxicity perspective, will be planted along with grass adequate for 

cattle grazing. 

Enabled tailings are susceptible to the creation of wetlands due to the tailings’ physical property and 

hydrology of the contention structures. The construction of wetlands, given their economic feasibility and 

its ability to reduce the tailings storage facility’s environmental cost, is an alternative widely used in 

operations of the United States, Canada, and Australia. 

Additionally, the water of the Upper dam will be used during the dry season, when required, to maintain 

saturation of the wetlands’ portion of the enabled storage facility. 

The proposal of creating a wetland in the area of study, which will be performed during the project’s 

useful life, will be focused in the following items: 

Design of the wetland’s physical surroundings 

Chemical condition of the wetland’s water and sediments 

Projection of the wetland’s biotic surroundings 

Wetland landscape design 

Agrostological studies of wetland’s surroundings 

Regarding the compensation of environmental services linked to food sources for introduced cattle, the 

project includes specific social management plans that involve commissioning of related programs in the 

following aspects: 

Load studies at additional locations to be performed during the baseline studies 

Animal health studies in the project’s area of social influence 

Improved grass production studies and programs 

Genetic improvement plans for local cattle stock 

Animal nutrition programs 

Selection of the most adequate type of cattle for the area of social influence based on specific load 

studies 

Although these programs are part of the Community Relations Plan (Section 7.3.2), they have been 

included in this section since cattle feed supply represents one of the bog’s most socially relevant 

environmental services. We must mention that these measures have been taken into account despite the 

current status of a large portion of the bogs. According to the results obtained (FDA, 2005), there is a 

heterogeneous condition of the bogs and pastures due to their agrostological quality. This heterogeneity 

determines the efforts that must be dedicated to improve pastures conditions, which will be of different 

magnitude based on the area. 

During the evaluation of the different project area’s productive ability, it has been discovered that the bog 

and surrounding pasture dominant condition is poor. There are also very poor, regular, and good 

pastures. However, the latter are the scarcest. Finally, there are areas in poor condition that cannot 

withstand any load and grazing would be suspended. These areas are classified as deteriorating. 

Taking into account the area that will be lost as consequence of the project, the efforts of the 

Environmental Management Plan will be directed to the surrounding areas that show the optimal 

condition potential for cattle breeding. These optimal areas are identified through joint strategies as part 

of the Communities Relations Plan (Section 7.3.2). 



6-22

Connotations related to the habitat’s environmental services for the fauna and aesthetics or visual quality 

are treated in the following sections of the Environmental Management Plan (fauna and landscape impact 

mitigation measures). 

Revegetation plan 

The revegetation plan considers a set of efforts that will be dedicated to provide the land with vegetation 

conditions similar to the original, as far as it is possible. This plan is aimed at final closure activities and 

the rehabilitation of areas temporarily upset. 

To make the revegetation plan viable, the following specific considerations will be taken into account: 

Land Use 

The use that will be assigned in the future to the rehabilitated areas will be considered, which 

preferentially will be the already existing one. This project has determined that grazing is the main activity 

for land use. Hence, the revegetation plan’s objectives will be focused mainly on rehabilitating pastures. 

Seeding and Planting 

The revegetation plan will consider the implementation of lots in which germination percentage and 

degree of soil coverage per selected species tests will be performed. Tests on obtained results for the 

different seed species combinations will also be performed. Substrate will also be tested: different layer 

thickness without mixing, different proportions of soil mixture with waste rock material, among others. 

Before starting seeding and planting activities for the candidate species, a land reconstitution will be 

performed and then areas to be revegetated will be provided a soil layer of adequate thickness to achieve 

a successful revegetation. 

Candidate Species 

The revegetation of affected areas will be performed preferentially using native flora; however, it is likely 

that during the closure stage some fast-growing short-lived foreign species will be used to quickly cover 

exposed areas to reduce the potential of water erosion and organic matter will be contributed to the soil. 

These foreign species may act as pioneer species to be gradually replaced by native species. The 

Conceptual Closure Plan (Chapter 10) presents a list of conventional species to be used in rehabilitation 

areas. 

According to the baseline and impact evaluation results, most of the area that will be affected as 

consequence of the infrastructure’s location is covered by grassland where the predominant species are: 

Agrostis tolucensis, Paspalum pallidum, Calamagrostis nitidula, Jarava ichu and Pernettya prostrata. 

These same species will be considered for the revegetation plan in accordance with Chart 6.1.3. At the 

same time, there are species that are within the project’s boundaries and have some kind of conservation 

special status. 

A list of propagation candidate native species according to ecosystem dominance and importance is 

included next. Endangered herbaceous and shrub species that would be affected due to the project’s 

location are included (Chart 6.1.3) as well. 

Chart 6.1.3 

List of Candidate Native Species for Revegetation 

Species Conservation Status (D.S. Nº043-2006-AG) 

Solanum jalcae Critical Risk (CR) 

Ephedra rupestris Critical Risk (CR) 

Geranium dielsianum Endangered (EN) 

Baccharis genistelloides Near-Threatened (NT) 



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Solanum acaule Near-Threatened (NT) 

Agrostis tolucensis -- 

Paspalum pallidum -- 

Calamagrostis nitidula -- 

Jarava ichu -- 

Pernettya prostrata -- 

Seeding and Planting Methods 

Direct seed planting for forage species. In the case of native species such as the graminous species, 

they will be transplanted from high-density areas and they will include roots or, in some cases, base buds. 

Other methods will be applied specifically depending on the species and slope of the revegetation area. 

In areas of pronounced slope a plowing planting system will be performed slicing the slope or in a 

quincunx pattern. In the particular case of Ephedra rupestris and Solanum jalcae, in view of its critical 

status its special treatment was previously discussed in a special management plan. 

Soil Stabilization 

A planting combination of one or more stabilization methods will be required to ensure an adequate 

protection against water and air erosion risks during the first growth stages. The predominant soil 

stabilization method is the use of hey or straw mulch. Typically mulch is spread in the area immediately 

after planting at a 3.5 to 5 tons/hectare ratio. 

Consumables and Fertilizer 

Consumables will be applied based on the soil analysis results, data that will be taken from the baseline 

study discussed in Chapter 3. The relevant parameters to be considered are: pH, electrical conductivity, 

micronutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter. 

Monitoring 

Monitoring will allow the evaluation the revegetation plan’s success. This will assist with the identification 

of problem areas that may require maintenance and will provide information that will allow knowing the 

species, combination, and cultivation treatment success. Monitoring will also allow the identification of 

short-lived foreign species used during remediation activities with the potential of invasive spreading. At 

the same time, native species with natural recolonization potential will be identified, the same that will be 

used to reinforce areas that require additional revegetation and/or to revegetate new areas. 

Additionally, propagation studies for other threatened species that are not present within the project’s 

location area will be performed. According to the impact evaluation (Chapter 5), the project’s location will 

not represent affectation of montane forests; however, as part of the environmental policy, MYSRL will 

perform propagation studies for other species that are under the especial conservation status listed next. 

Chart 6.1.4 

Additional Species Considered for Research 

Family Species INRENA 

Fabaceae Otholobium munyensis CR 

Myrtaceae Myrcianthes discolor CR 

Rosaceae Hesperomeles heterophylla CR 

Anacardinaceae Mauria heterophylla VU 

Betulaceae Alnus acuminata VU 

Escalloniaceae Escallonia pendula VU 

Escalloniaceae Escallonia resinosa VU 

Asteraceae Chuquiraga jussieui NT 

Fabaceae Acacia macracanta NT 

Solanaceae Solanum acaule NT 



6-24

CR= Critical risk, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, NT = Near-Threatened 

6.1.7.2 Land Fauna 


Projects expected impacts on the wild fauna are listed next: 

Construction 

Affectation of habitats as consequence of land stripping activities generated by the direct occupation of 

the project’s facilities at the Toromacho basin, Alto Jadibamba river’s basin, Chirimayo basin, and 

Chailhuagon river’s basin. 

Frightened off land fauna due to land stripping activities, removal of topsoil, earthworks, removal of bog, 

civil works, material disposal, structural system installation, mechanical works, electrical works, and 

instrumental (SMPE&I), hauling of the project’s equipment to the area, consumables, staff, and internal 

transportation as the result of the direct occupation of the project’s facilities. 

Operation 

Frightened off fauna due to blasting activities at the Perol and Chailhuagon pits, ore mining activies, 

mined material management, coarse ore and waste rock hauling, waste rock disposal, ore crushing, 

conveyor belt operation, thickening and filtering, concentrate storage, hauling of the project’s equipment 

to the project’s area, machinery, consumables, staff, and internal transportation. 


Next is a description of main general measures to mitigate these impacts. 

Projected works will be planned in such a manner that the area to be intervened is reduced as much as 

possible. 

In the surrounding areas of lakes and bogs mainly (areas with most wild fauna activity) an inspection 

before starting construction activities will be performed to check the absence of wild fauna individuals 

with reduced mobility (for instance, nesting individuals, chicks) that could be directly affected by the 

activities to be developed. 

MYSRL’s staff and contractors will be trained on the importance of preserving these wild fauna species, 

especially those that are under some domestic or international protection status. These training 

sessions will be periodically performed through awareness sessions, in which audiovisual aids and 

bulletins that include main characteristics of aforementioned species will be employed. 

MYSRL’s staff and contractors will be forbidden to hunt or own wild animals from the project’s area and 

acquire products from these wild animals: meat, fur, eggs, and others. 

Access to work areas to people that are not part of the project will be restricted to avoid increasing 

human presence in habitats that are not upset. 

Periodic maintenance of heavy machinery, generators, pumps, and vehicles in general employed for 

construction and operation activities will be performed to reduce noise and gas emission levels. 

Vehicle speed will be controlled in accordance with the project’s internal safety standards. Driving of 

vehicles will be performed not only taking into account every precaution to avoid accidents but also 

taking into account the importance of not perturbing the fauna, observing regulations or guidelines 

developed for driving speed and noise emissions (for instance, alarms, horns, others). Signage 

indicating maximum allowable speed and signs warning not to make noise or perturb the fauna will be 

installed. 

In the event of blasting activities during the construction stage of internal roads, among other facilities, 

their frequency, and duration will be planned, coordinating with local shepherds the removal of cattle 

from the areas to be intervened. 

Specific management measures for the area’s relevant ecosystems: bogs and aquatic habitats are 

presented next. Although it is true that this ecosystems were determined based on the Environmental 

Management Plan for vegetation formations with specific relevance, this section analyzes their relevance 

from a fauna species preservation standpoint. 



6-25

Specific management measure for specific cases of species under priority conservation status will be 

presented. Management measures are divided into two specific management plans. 

Management plan for the Eleutherodactylus simonsii frog 

Management plan for Cajamarca’s Thomasomys praetor oldfield mouse 

Aquatic Habitats and bogs conservation plan 

The aquatic habitat conservation plan includes reservoirs and the generation of a bog ecosystem within 

the tailings disposal area for the closure stage. 

Regarding the reservoirs, the transfer of water from the Perol, Chica, Azul, and Mala lakes to the 

reservoirs and volume increment of the Chailhuagon Lake will create a variation of the water mirror and 

shoreline. The following chart shows a mirror of water and shoreline variation in absolute terms expected 

with the implementation of reservoirs. 

Chart 6.1.5 

Shoreline Length and Water Mirror Variation Due To the Implementation of Reservoirs 

Original lake Area (ha) Perimeter (km) Reservoir Area (ha) Perimeter (km) 

Perol Lake 16.77 1.62 Perol 6.68 1.29 

Chica Lake 0.86 0.50 Upper 12.15 3.14 

Azul Lake 6.89 1.19 

Mala Lake 0.64 0.30 Chailhuagon 12.72 1.88 

Chailhuagon 

Lake 

8.75 1.19 

Lower 24.51 2.67 

Total 33.91 4.80 56.06 8.99 

According to this chart, despite the fact that only in the specific case of the Perol Lake the water mirror 

area and the shoreline length will be reduced, with implementation of reservoirs an increment of both 

parameters will be achieved. It is estimated that, at global level, the water mirror’s area will be increased 

in approximately 22 hectare (ha), while shoreline will be increased in about 4 kilometers (km). 

Regarding the water surface, it is estimated that its increment will constitute a center of attraction for 

aquatic bird species that get their food by filtration, such as the Anas flavirostris “speckled teal”, Anas 

puna “anas puna teal”, Anas specularioides “crested duck” and “Andean goose” or “huallata” Chloephaga 

melanoptera; Oxyura jamaicensis “ruddy duck”, rallidae birds such as the Fulica ardesiaca or “Andean 

coot” and grebes such as the Podiceps occipitalis “silvery grebe”. 

According the FDA’s results (FDA, 2005), the biggest record of bird diversity within the project’s 

surrounding areas corresponds to the San Nicolas – Chailhuagon area; hence an increment of water 

surface would specially favor this area, which has to be checked by the monitoring plan. 

Regarding the shoreline length, the increment will favor the existence of an interface where migrating 

wading birds or those that use small exposed beaches, shallow waters, or semi-submerged plants to 

search food. These are mainly migrating species from the northern hemisphere that arrive during the 

southern hemisphere summer to obtain food mainly in coastal or Andean wetlands. 

Although it is true that the shoreline will be increased in approximately 4 km, not necessarily the full 

length will be an adequate habitat for these species since there are special morphology requirements for 

the land-water interface. Due to this reason the shoreline will be reshaped where required. This 

reshaping will consist of softening slopes as much as possible without compromising the stability of 



6-26

slopes or surrounding infrastructures. The reshaping of the shoreline will be performed avoiding sharp 

slopes that would not allow the existence of adequate conditions for migrating birds. These birds find 

their food in shallow waters that is found on the edge of the shoreline, actively removing substrate. It is 

also important that the substrate is as fine as possible and compatible with the surroundings so stony 

areas that impair foraging must be avoided. An accurate delimitation of the areas to be reshaped will be 

performed by a specialist once the transfer of water into the reservoirs has been performed. 

It is estimated that fluctuations of water levels will also be favorable for migrating species, especially in 

places with little shore slope due to the mud strip favorable to the presence of invertebrates that serve as 

food that will be generated. 

Among these migratory birds that will be favored by a water body perimeter expansion are beach birds 

like Calidris bairdii “Baird’s sandpiper” and Calidris melanotos “pectoral sandpiper”, Tringa flavipes “lesser 

yellowleg” and Tringa melanoleuca “greater yellowleg”. The food for these species is mainly constituted 

by insect larvae and other invertebrates found in mud and humid vegetation. It is expected that the 

interface generated by the reservoir water’s good quality and vegetated shorelines will have the proper 

conditions to develop invertebrates that will serve as food for migratory birds. 

Regarding bog areas, according to the FDA’s studies, there isn’t much specificity of birds based on 

specific vegetation formations; hence, no big alterations should be expected. Birds have shown a large 

spatial distribution confirming that their habitat transcends the vegetation formation area; consequently 

most of the species live in practically all vegetation formations. However, some may show certain 

preference for humid areas like the Vanellus resplendens “Andean lapwing” and Gallinago andina “puna 

snipe”. The habitat generated by the wetland management plan would create the conditions for 

reestablishment. 

Eleutherodactylus Simonsii Frog Management Plan 

The Eleutherodactylus simonsii frog is classified under the Vulnerable threat category (VU) by D.S. Nº 

034-2004-AG. The main purpose of this plan is to preserve current status of the frog’s population and its 

habitat within the project’s area of influence and its surroundings. Management and monitoring plans 

have been designed based on the baseline’s results (Chapter 3). 

Before implementing this frog’s management plan, it is important to analyze the condition of the 

population that will be subject to new pressures. According to the baseline study, the frog is mainly found 

in grassland and vegetation nearby lakes and in bogs. It is know that this species adapts well in wet 

grassland and bare land. This species in particular lays eggs in the most humid areas underneath the 

grassland turf where offspring hatch directly from the egg. 

According to the baseline evaluation, general land striping and bog removal activities will potentially affect 

this frog due to its preference to use these areas, among other. The expected impact is the loss of 

reproductive habitat for the Eleutherodactylus simonsii frog. 

To reduce negative impacts on the frog population and increase knowledge of same it is proposed, as a 

mitigation measure, to perform a pilot sampling before the construction stage to define the best strategy 

to manage the species within the area. Pilot sampling will assist the determination of the species’ current 

status within the area due to the high temporary variability expected for its population. Pilot sampling 

results will allow the establishment of points where specific management task will be performed, such as: 

Capture and relocation of individuals, if required 

Search of alternative habitats 

Specific complementing measures 

Pilot sampling will also indicate the effort required for any defined measure at the moment. This effort will 

be quantified with capture tests per unit or space, as applicable. 



6-27

Previous studies will establish current distribution of the Eleutherodactylus simonsii within the area, 

confirming its geographical range and resolving any doubt about its taxonomic classification. Required 

tasks to preserve the species according to the results obtained will be performed once information is 

available. 

Management and Research Plan for the Cajamarca Thomasomys Praetor Oldfield Mouse 

Cajamaca’s oldfield mouse is classified as Vulnerable (VU) by D.S. Nº 034-2004-AG, besides being 

endemic to the north of the country. The main purpose of this program is to preserve the current status of 

the mouse’s population and habitat within the project’s area of influence and surrounding areas. The 

management plan and monitoring plan have been designed based on baseline study’s results (Chapter 

3). 

Before implementing the management program it is important to study the condition of the population that 

will be subject to new pressures. According to the baseline study, this mouse is mainly in grasslands of 

the Toromacho and Chailhuagon areas. 

Land stripping activities will potentially have an impact on this species due to its preference for 

grasslands, among other areas, according to the baseline evaluation. The expected impact is a loss of 

feeding habitat for Cajamarca’s oldfield mouse. As mentioned previously, the knowledge of the 

population’s status and habitat is very important to implement any management or preservation program. 

During vegetation land stripping activities care will be taken to not harm individuals that may be found 

within the area. Due to the shy nature of these animals, they will probably be scared off progressively 

due to the area’s activities. 

As part of this plan, MYSRL will research this rodent’s populations within and outside the project’s area of 

influence. The main objective of this research is to contribute knowledge about the current status of its 

population in the project’s areas within and outside its area of influence and the habitat’s characteristics 

and natural history of the species. As far as it is possible, a population recovery where required will be 

encouraged through specific measures based on previous evaluations. 

The knowledge of this species populations’ dynamic is critical to develop conservation programs; hence, 

periodic evaluations will be performed to establish the presence and amount of same in grasslands and 

rocks within the project’s surroundings. It is priority to evaluate the population’s status to know spatial 

and seasonal variations and their tendencies versus different conditioning factors. 

As part of the research program, season frequency will be captured before the start of the construction 

stage to estimate the population’s size and their time variations. The methodology to be used will be the 

establishment of transects that include Sherman traps. The traps will be active for two nights, and 

content will be checked daily. The following data will be collected from each individual: location, age, sex, 

and outside measures, and each individual will be inserted a microchip to monitor population status. 

6.1.7.3 Aquatic Life 


Construction 

Aquatic life variation corresponds to lotic ecosystems alterations resulting from land stripping activities, 

bog removal, water transfer, topsoil removal, and earthworks (Alto Jadimba river, Alto Chirimayo, 

Toromacho, and Chailhuagon river). 

Aquatic life habitat availability variation due to bog removal (including the Perol, Cocañes, Huayra 

Machay, and Azul bogs). 

Aquatic life availability alteration corresponding to lentic ecosystems due to water transfer (Azul, Mala, 

Chica, and Perol lakes). 



6-28

Operation 

Habitat quality and availability alteration due to the following activities: mining, waste rock disposal, 

crushed ore provisional disposal, tailings disposal, water use, sediment pond operation, acid water 

treatment plant, reservoir operation, and provisional storage facilities operation. 


Due to their close relationship, aquatic environment mitigation measures are included within water quality 

mitigation measures. Seepage, sediment, unnecessary drainage system upsets, among others, included 

in Sections 6.1.5 and 6.1.6 (mitigation measures for surface and groundwater respectively) are applicable 

to aquatic ecosystems. This section also includes mitigation measures for water quantity. However, 

there are other measures linked to water, biological, and social resources that will be discussed in this 

section. 

Aquatic Habitat Loss Compensation 

According to Section 6.1.5, the project’s main principles for aquatic loss management include the 

operation of four reservoirs to recover the lakes’ environmental services such as water regulation, 

thermal regulation, sediment sump, fauna habitat, improvement of scenery. 

Upper Reservoir: This reservoir will be located in the upper area of the Jadibamba River and it is 

planned to deliver aquatic life habitats to replace habitat loss at the Azul and Chica lakes. 

Lower Reservoir: This reservoir will be located at the Jadibamba River’s basin before the Jadibamba 

River converges with the Lluspioc basin. Similarly to the Upper reservoir, the creation of this reservoir will 

serve as mitigation of the aquatic life loss at the Jadibamba River’s basin. 

Perol Reservoir: To mitigate impacts resulting from the loss of the Perol lake, water will be transferred to 

the new facility, the Perol reservoir. This way water quality of the Perol lake will be recovered for aquatic 

life habitat quality purposes. 

Chailhuagon Reservoir: It is planned to increase the lake’s size by installing a dam. This dam will mean 

that the amount of habitat available for aquatic life will be increased within this area. 

In particular, the operation of these reservoirs will favor the conservation of hydro biological resources 

such as benthic organisms in lakes. These organisms are a very important portion of the trophic network 

that includes aquatic birds, amphibians, and fish. 

As detailed in Section 6.1.7 an aquatic habitat and bog conservation plan will be developed which 

includes the creation of reservoirs for the construction and operation phases and the creation of a wetland 

at the tailings storage facility main dam area for the closure stage. These mitigation measures will also 

serve to mitigate impacts on aquatic life, generating plankton, macro-invertebrates, amphibians, and 

rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). 

Compensation for the Loss of Species with Economic Relevance 

According to the baseline’s results, the Perol Lake has fish with economic relevance (trout). As a result of 

the project infrastructure’s location, the water of this lake will be transferred to a reservoir, generating a 

water body of similar characteristics. Although it is likely that most of the individuals will be lost during the 

transfer, this population will be recovered with the introduction of trout at the Perol Reservoir. Since the 

trout is not a native species, their relevance for ecosystem maintenance purposes is minimal. 

Before introducing the trout in the reservoir it is important to monitor the quality of the reservoir’s habitat 

to detect water quality alterations at the Perol lake based on the biological parameters evaluated by the 

baseline studies. At the same time, a previous water quality evaluation will be performed for comparison 

purposes during monitoring activities. Before releasing the individuals to the reservoir, offspring will be 

farmed to ensure their survival. 



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If the water quality and organism amount is sufficient, trout introduction to the reservoir will be possible. 

The trout is not very sensitive since it feeds from a variety of live prey, most of it being aquatic and some 

land organisms, such as insects that hover over the water, and it can also feed on worms, tadpoles, and 

small fish of the same or other species. The amount of trout to be released to the reservoir will be 

determined by previous load capacity and habitat quality studies. 

6.1.8 Impact Mitigation – Human Interest Environment 

This section discusses prevention and mitigation measures for the following sub-components: landscape 

and road traffic. 

6.1.8.1 Landscape 


Next is a summary of expected landscape impacts for the project during the construction and operation 

stages. 

Construction 

Alteration of the landscape’s quality as the result of the direct occupancy generated by land stripping 

activities, earthworks, bog removal, water transfer, civil works, and installation of SMPE&I systems. 

These impacts have been considered from the following reference points: 

Toromacho Area (from the town of La Florida to Huasmin) 

Alto Jadibamba Area (from the town of Huasiyuc) 

Chugurmayo Area (from the town of Chugurmayo) 

Alto Chirimayo Area (from the town of Agua Blanca) 

Chailhuagon Area (from the town of San Nicolas) 

Operation 

Alteration of the landscape’s quality as a consequence of the direct occupation are generated by ore 

mining, waste rock disposal, and tailings disposal. These impacts have been considered from the 

following reference points: 

Toromacho Area (from the town of La Florida de Huasmin) 

Alto Jadibamba Area (from the town of Huasiyuc) 

Chugurmayo Area (from the town of Chugurmayo) 

Alto Chirimayo Area (from the town of Agua Blanca) 

Chailhuagon Area (from the town of San Nicolas) 

Impact Mitigation 

Landscape impacts are mainly given by terrain, vegetation, modifications of the drainage system and 

lentic water bodies. Based on this, prevention and mitigation measures considered to reduce impacts on 

the landscape will basically be prevention and mitigation measures considered to reduce impacts on 

other environmental sub-components. 

Additionally, the following general measures will be considered: 

Construction activities for each component will be limited to the specific area of each installation, not 

using areas that have not been previously planned for construction or waste rock material buildup. 

Revegetation of exposed areas and wherever possible will be performed parallel to mining operations 

using, as far as it is possible, local species so the landscape is affected as little as possible. 

Construction activities will respect, as far as it is possible, the natural surroundings and relief of each 

zone. 

The infrastructure will, as far as it is possible, show characteristics that will reduce contrast. 



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The activities described in the Conceptual Closure Plan (Chapter 10), especially those related to 

surface reconfiguration, soil remediation, and revegetation, are part of the project’s most relevant 

landscape measures. These measures indirectly favor a better landscape quality through the 

remediation of some items that provide the visual features such as color, texture, dominance, etc. 

The basic concept around a landscape improvement during the closure stage will be, as far as it is 

possible, to remediate the project’s remaining structures in such a manner that are as compatible as 

possible with the surroundings. We must point out that every project infrastructure will significantly 

improve visually since the remaining structures and the pit represent a substantial visual modification of 

the basin that cannot be remedied, but it can be attenuated. 

6.1.8.2 Road Traffic 


Next is a summary of the project’s expected impacts on road traffic within the project’s area. 

Construction and operation 

Traffic level alteration is generated due to hauling of equipment, machinery, consumables and staff, and 

internal transportation activities. This variation will be mainly given by the main access road (Yanacocha 

– Conga project portion) and the project’s internal roads in general. 


This management plan’s objective is to manage potential equipment, machinery, consumables, and staff 

hauling and transportation impacts during the project’s construction and operation. This program will 

apply to the roads used by MYSRL or its contractors’ vehicles. 

Measures to be implemented to mitigate or reduce impacts are: 

Vehicle traffic will be limited, as far as it is possible, to daylight hours (between 07:00 and 10:00 pm). 

Annual and periodic routine maintenance will be performed on roads. 

Area’s signage will be boosted. 

Vehicle speed will be controlled in compliance with domestic regulations or those regulations 

established by MYSRL. 

Additionally, subcontractors participating in the construction and operation stages will have to 

demonstrate that they have and practice adequate health and safety measures for hauling and 

transportation activities. 

6.1.8.3 Archeological remains 

In the area of influence have been identified and marked 16 archaeological sites within the Minas Conga 

Sector. Four archeological sites within Minas Conga I and 10 archeological sites within Minas Conga III 

areas have been identified, defined, and flagged within the project’s area of influence; additionally, 18 

archeological have been identified within the Minas Conga II area. 

Impacts to this sub-component have not been identified, only risks; hence, next MYSRL’s prevention and 

mitigation measures in the event that archeological evidence is found during the project’s construction 

and operation stages are discussed: 

Archeological excavations will be performed within a project design submitted to the National Institute of 

Culture (INC). Excavations will be focused in recovering all information contained in stratrigraphic 

deposits located within the site. 

Areas of evidence will be sectored and divided into a grid throughout their extension, observing –if 

possible- the established nomenclature within the archaeological evaluation projects for the different 

evaluated areas. 



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If required, excavations will be complemented with strategic cuts within the area immediately outside the 

distribution of discovered archeological evidence and structures via restricted excavations (exploration 

surveys) within the dampened area to determine the actual extension of the archeological evidence. It 

must be pointed out that boundary surveys were performed during the previous project that defined the 

actual extension of archeological remains including an appropriate dampened area for conservation and 

protection purposes. The need to perform such excavations and their potential expansion will be 

evaluated in the field based on the area’s digs. 

In agreement with INC regulations, the site recording system will be adapted to the use of technical 

sheets or models recommended by the National Institute of Culture to have homogenous information 

about the Archeological National Patrimony. 

Excavation recording cards will also be used which will itemize the removal process of natural or cultural 

layers within the full unit in addition to findings cards in those cases where specific recording of a 

culturally relevant item is required. Similarly, plant and profile drawings will be developed for each dig 

unit for graphical recording purposes. 

6.1.9 Impact Mitigation - Pongo-Conga Corridor 


These section clusters foreseeable impacts resulting from related activities at the Pongo-Conga corridor 

since they present a geographical environment that is different from the environmental components 

evaluated for the area of operation. Expected impacts are included next. 

Construction 

Relief alteration as consequence of earthworks and direct occupation of the project’s infrastructure. 

Particle matter, gas, noise, and vibration level variations due to construction activities. 

Loss of soil due to the removal of topsoil and earthworks to enable corresponding direct occupation 

areas. 

Loss of vegetation coverage and flora specimen impact due to a direct occupation. 

Habitat impact due to land stripping activities due to a direct occupation. 

Disbandment of land fauna generated by land stripping activities due to a direct occupation. 

Lotic environments aquatic habitat quality impact. 

Bogs aquatic habitat availability variation. 

Landscape quality variation due to a direct occupation. 

Traffic level variation generated by hauling and transportation activities within the project’s area. 

Operation 

Particle matter, gas, noise and vibration level variations due to operation activities. 

Disbandment of land fauna generated by land stripping activities due to operation activities. 

Landscape quality variation due to a direct occupation. 

Traffic level variation generated by hauling and transportation activities within the project’s area. 

6.1.9.2 6.1.7.2 Mitigation measures 

To prevent and mitigate these impacts the following measures are discussed next: 

Every project work will be planned in such a manner that areas to be intervened are reduced. Material 

removed, specifically soil, will serve for posterior use during remediation programs. 

Systems for proper water management that may be intervened will be enabled. Provisional diversion 

canals will be installed to divert the complete flow until it returns to its normal stream reducing the 

intervention of final stream. Additionally, sewers and floodways to reestablish water flow will be 

implemented. 

Only the topsoil layer from the areas that will be affected by excavations, fillings, access construction, or 

compacting equipment will be removed. Topsoil will be preferentially handled when dry. 

Diesel engine gas emissions, mainly carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) will be controlled 

mainly through a regular vehicle and machinery maintenance program. 

Particle matter emissions will be controlled with water trucks. 



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Borrow material hauling trucks will be equipped with tarp covers to reduce dust emissions or material 

spills during hauling activities. 

Land striping staff will be trained on recognizing established boundaries to avoid land stripping areas 

outside the established area. 

MYSRL’s staff and contractors will be trained on the importance of preserving wild life species. 

Collection or trading of wild flora species by workers will be forbidden. 

An inspection within the surrounding areas of lakes and bogs (areas with most wildlife activity) will be 

performed before starting construction activities to check the absence of wild fauna individuals with little 

mobility (for instance, nesting individuals, chicks) that may be directly affected by activities to be 

developed. 

Constructions activities will keep, if possible, the natural surroundings, and relief of each area. 

Road annual routine maintenance and periodic maintenance will be performed. 

Area’s signage will be enhanced. 

Vehicle speed control in compliance with domestic or MYSRL’s regulations will be applied. 

6.2 Environmental Monitoring Program 

This section discusses the Environmental Monitoring Program developed for the Conga project, which will 

be executed before and during the construction stage and during the project’s operation and closure 

stages. The Conceptual Closure Monitoring Plan (Chapter 10) discusses monitoring activities to be 

performed after the closure plan’s implementation, i.e. post-closure monitoring. 

The Environmental Monitoring Program’s objective is to perform a follow up of parameters identified as 

potential impacts due to the project’s activities. Hence, even when potential impacts have been managed 

through a Prevention and Mitigation Plan, the Environmental Monitoring Program will allow the evaluation 

of the referred plan’s efficiency. 

The program’s implementation will follow a flexible management design in such a manner that it can be 

periodically evaluated and modifications will be applied to increase its efficiency, taking into consideration 

related law amendments, wildlife conservation categories, and parameter’s environmental sensibility. 

The Environmental Monitoring Program’s implementation will also deliver the required information to build 

the basis for the project’s development activities for the environmental database. This database will be a 

basic tool to organize and systemize the information rescued during the implementation of the 

Environmental Monitoring Program and to develop reports to be filed with the authorities and other 

instances. 

It is important to point out that the Environmental Monitoring Program designed for the Conga project 

does not end with data collection activities. Although it is true that the generation of a good quality 

database is one of the most important monitoring items, the analysis of this data and the corresponding 

generation of information allow a good early response during the project’s environmental management 

activities. Due to the aforementioned, this plan is closely linked to an efficient interpretation center that 

allows the generation of a database, systematization of same, and generation of information for the 

posterior decision-making processes. 

Since this plan has been developed before the project’s construction and start, it may require updates. 

Future updates may include modifications of monitoring station’s locations, recorded parameters, 

frequency, and information management. 

Finally, it is important to mention that the mitigation of potential impacts of items that represent specific 

manifestations of environmental sub-components, such as hydrogeological resources through springs, or 

features of infrastructure items that facilitate the use of natural resources, such as canals or water 

systems, consists of the restitution of streams or flows affected by the use of water stored in reservoirs. 

Hence, given the efficiency of the discussed measures for these cases is associated with checking the 

provided mitigation through surface and groundwater components and the follow-up of the springs and 



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that the canals’ characteristics outside the area of influence may constitute a social requirement; specific 

monitoring of these items may be included in the Social Environmental Participation Monitoring Plan 

(PMPAS) or other specific follow-up activity agreed with the authorities and communities, such as the one 

completed for COMOCA. 

6.2.1 Objectives 

The Environmental Monitoring Program objectives are as follows: 

To become aware of the actual impacts in space and time caused by the project’s activities through 

measurements for environmental relevant parameters included further in this document. 

Check the efficiency of the prevention, mitigation, and control measures discussed. 

Check compliance of applicable environmental standards and commitments agreed by the company. 

Early detection of any unforeseen or undesired impact due to the project’s execution for control 

purposes by defining and adopting appropriate and prompt measures. 

6.2.2 Environmental Monitoring Program Sub-Components 

The Environmental Monitoring Program considers the following environmental sub-components: 

Geotechnical engineering (associated to geomorphological and relief sub-components) 

Climate and meteorology 

Ambient air quality 

Noise and vibration levels 

Surface water 

Groundwater 

Revegetation and vegetation species management program 

Land fauna 

Aquatic life 

For each of these sub-components, the program includes the following scopes: 

Aspects: they deliver sub-component information related to the project’s relevance. 

Parameters: measured and recorded physical, chemical, biological, or cultural variables to characterize 

environmental sub-components’ status and evolution. 

Environmental regulation or criteria: limitations or standards established in the corresponding 

regulations that will be used to benchmark monitoring results. At the same time, environmental 

guidelines contained in technical regulations, environmental guidelines or protocols are specified. If 

domestic regulations are not available, available criteria from baseline studies or international criteria 

considered necessary can be applied. 

Monitoring stations: measurement and control measures selected for each environmental control. 

Methodology: measurement, data collection and information analysis methodology for each case. 

Frequency: measurement, sample collection, and/or analysis periodicity for each parameter. 

Information and report management: Report methodology and frequency. 

A description of each evaluated sub-component is discussed next. 

6.2.2.1 Geotechnical Engineering 

Aspects 

Geotechnical parameters are directly related to the project’s physical stability, such as: pit, waste rock 

facilities, LoM material deposit, tailings storage facility, reservoirs, and borrow pits. Although projected 

components will have geometries that have been designed based on strength parameter characterization 

studies for the area material disposal’s location, the occurrence of slope physical stability risks is 

dependent on the variability of the construction and/or operation processes that may not have been 

included as part of the design. 



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The specific objective of the slope geotechnical monitoring activities is to determine unstable areas, fault 

surfaces, and forecast of structural landslides. Hence, remediation works will be presented, such as: 

slope layout or material unloading cutoff, and in the event of extreme urgency, via an immediate 

evacuation to safeguard the staff and avoid endangering the operation. 

Parameters 

Despite the fact that the Mine Safety and Health Regulations state that geomechanical studies must be 

performed to maintain mining operations stable, there isn’t a regulation that specifies parameters that 

must be monitored to keep a proper physical stability control. However, the presence of slope physical 

stability risks will be determined characterizing types of fault, affected area, and required measures to be 

implemented for evaluation purposes. 

Environmental Regulations and Criteria 

As established in Article Three (Mine Operations Management), Chapter I (Mine Operations Standards), 

Sub-chapter I (Land Control) for open pit mining, it is the head of geology’s responsibility to perform 

geology, geomechanics, hydrogeology, and rock mechanics studies to maintain mine operations and 

ancillary equipment safe and operational. The criteria to be followed are established by the International 

Society of Rock Mechanics (ISRM). 

Monitoring Stations 

Supervision of the construction activities during the construction stage to check that construction 

processes are coherent with each component’s design will be performed. 

The same will be performed during the operation stage, checking that material disposal (waste rock, LoM, 

tailings) is done following the established design guidelines (humidity, compacting, bench height, etc.); 

the same will be performed for the operation of the Perol and Chailhuagon pits regarding bench height, 

berm width, and inter-bench angle. 

At the same time, during the operation stage geotechnical monitoring instruments will be installed in each 

component such as: prisms, extensometers, and inclinometers. 

Methodology 

MYSRL will operate the tailings distribution system to obtain expected slopes and water management to 

meet the deposit’s physical stability, avoiding any risk of failure. 

The following activities will be performed during the first years of operation as part of the tailings storage 

facility’s geotechnical monitoring: 

Sampling from pipes’ end and taken in the field to determine the initial and deposited gradation, water 

content, and void ratio. 

Drillings with standard penetration tests (SPTs) including energy measurements, applying methods 

designed to minimize tailings upset below the drilling. 

Samples will be tested to classify properties, humidity content, in situ density, and saturation 

percentage. 

Cone Penetration Tests (CPT) that include pore pressure and dissipation tests to establish void ratio 

and identified layers. 

These tests will allow the refinement of the tailings consolidation and stability models. During the 

posterior years of operation inclinometers will be installed to control displacements. 

In the case of waste rock and LoM material storage facilities, despite the fact that they have been design 

to be physically stable, stability will be checked through the following monitoring activities: 



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Displacement monitoring, requiring the installation of a prism or extensometer system. 

Pore pressure and piezometer installation in areas of old valleys where water flow is expected. 

Installation of inclinometers. 

In the case of the Perol and Chailhuagon pits, prism and inclinometers will be installed to determine the 

existence of displacements; at the same time, visual inspections of critical slopes at both pits to determine 

the location of monitoring equipment as mining progresses will be performed. 

Frequency 

Supervision of each component’s construction process will be periodically performed. The following 

frequencies will be applied for each component during the operation stage: 

Pits: bi-monthly inspection during the first two years, monthly frequency starting the third year; the 

frequency may vary depending of geomechanical characteristics identified during the life of the mine. 

Waste rock and LoM material storage facilities: Slope status monthly inspections and reports that 

include data collected from implemented instruments. 

Tailings storage facility: Continuous inspection (weekly) during the first years of tailings disposal and 

reports that include geotechnical tests discussed for this monitoring stage and monthly starting the 

second year of operations. 

Information and Report Management 

Monitoring results will be included in the geology and project planning database reporting parameters that 

may have changed and that, consequently, may require a component design update. This information 

will be for internal use and can be reviewed at MYSRL’s offices. 

6.2.2.2 Climate and Meteorology 

Aspects 

Meteorological data will be recorded to: 

Generate supporting information for the project. This relevant meteorological information is required to 

be correlated with other variables to support closure and other required details. 

Obtain and develop a meteorological database for operation and closure stages. 

Generate supporting information for the execution and/or improvement of specific management 

measures. 

Collect supporting and complementary information for environmental and geotechnical program 

development purposes. 

Parameters 

Monitoring of meteorological conditions considers the determination of the following parameters: 

Precipitacition 

Air temperature 

Barometric pressure 

Relative humidity 

Evaporation 

Wind speed and direction 

Environmental Regulation or Standard 

The meteorological monitoring program design and development is based on the “Air Quality and 

Emissions Monitoring Protocol” published by MEM (1993) and the “Guidelines for Mine Metallurgic 

Activities Air Quality Impact Evaluation” also published by MEM (2007). 




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As part of monitoring activities, MYSRL will operate and collect meteorological information from the 

project’s 2 stations during the construction and operation stages. The location of the meteorological 

stations is (Figure 6.2.1): 

Old Minas Conga Station: Coordinates UTM 9 230 902 N and 790 608 E. 

New Minas Conga Station: Coordinates UTM 9 234 970 N and 790 063 E. 

SIAM sheets for monitoring stations are presented in Appendix 6.8. 

Due to the proximity of the Project Conga to the Yanacocha complex, it becomes necessary to include 

the data generated at the meteorological stations from the latter in the area´s meteorological 

characteristics analysis. 

Methodology 

The stations will collect meteorological data via sensors that will be stored in a data storage device (data 

logger) and will be periodically stored in a laptop for posterior analysis and interpretation. 

Frequency 

Meteorological stations are programmed to continuously record each variable 24 hours/day. At the same 

time, the stations will allow precipitation recordings every 15 minutes to properly characterize storm 

events. 


Data will be continuously collected at each automated station. Data will be transferred on a monthly basis 

from data loggers to a laptop and then transferred to the environmental database. Temperature and 

precipitation information will be reported weekly and monthly. Collected meteorological information will 

be compiled in a quarterly report for MYSRL’s internal use. 

6.2.2.3 Ambient Air Quality 

Aspects 

This sub-component is considered very important since activities related to the project’s construction and 

operation will have certain influence on ambient air quality; however, these impacts will be local and 

provisional and will be mainly related to the generation of particles (dust) from access road construction 

and/or improvement, earthworks, vegetation stripping, material, equipment, and staff hauling and 

transportation, quarry exploitation, and infrastructure location activities, among other. Ambient air quality 

monitoring has the following objectives: 

Safeguard the health and environment of surrounding communities and workers of the Project Conga’s 

area of operations. 

Comply with this document’s commitments and try to maintain concentrations of the different air quality 

parameters below environmental quality national standards. 

Oversee ambient air environmental quality, generating reliable information that can be benchmarked 

and representative to be applied in MYSRL’s environmental strategy. 

Parameters 

Ambient air quality monitoring activities will include the determination of the following parameters: 

Particle matter (PM10 & PM2.5) 

Atmospheric concentration of particles below 10 microns (PM10). 

Atmospheric concentration of particles below 2.5 microns (PM2.5). 

Particle matter metal content, including lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) below 10 microns (PM10). 

Gasses 



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Concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO). 

Environmental Regulation or Criteria 

The ambient air quality monitoring program design and development is based on the “Air and Emissions 

Quality Monitoring Protocol” published by MEM (1993) and the “Air Environmental Quality National 

Standards Regulations” (D.S. N° 074-2001-PCM, D.S. Nº 069-2003-PCM, and D.S. Nº 003-2008- 

MINAM), and “Maximum Allowable Levels of Elements and Compounds from Mining – Metallurgic Units” 

(R.M. N 315-96-EM/VMM). 

Ambient air environmental quality values recorded at monitoring stations will be benchmarked with D.S. 

Nº 074-2001-PCM, D.S. Nº 069-2003-PCM, and D.S. Nº 003-2008-MINAM for particle matter (PM10 and 

PM2,5), lead (Pb), and gasses; and R.M. N° 315-96-EM/VMM for arsenic (As). At the same time, the 

following international standard can be considered as reference for follow-up and benchmark purposes of 

this parameters: World Bank Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines for Mining and Milling – Open 

Pit, for particles (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). 


Monitoring stations were selected taking as reference: installation location, predominant wind direction, 

particle matter - PM10 dispersion modeling results (Appendix 5.1), MEM’s Air and Emissions Quality 

Monitoring Protocol criteria and equipment manufacturer specifications. 

In general, we recommend the following: 

Installation of sampling equipment 20 m from any obstacle (trees, buildings, among other). A general 

installation rule is to locate it a height that is twice the height of the obstacle. 

Entry point of sampling equipment located 1 – 3 m from the floor. 

Sampling equipment allowing free air flow. 

Sampling equipment installed directly on floor or gravel bed. 

Sampling equipment not installed near exhaust pipes or ventilation exhausts. 

Under these considerations, ambient air quality monitoring will be performed in the following stations 

(Figure 6.2.2): 

Namococha station (mobile station): located at the town of same name (9 236 129 N, 785 174 E). 

Lagunas de Combayo station (mobile station): located at the town of same name (9 232 232 N, 784 534 

E). 

Quengorío Alto station (mobile station): located at the town of same name (9 238 886 N, 785 306 E). 

MCSN-1 station (permanent station): located at San Nicolas de Chailhuagon (9 230 146 N, 789 276 E). 

MCAB-1 station (mobile station): located at Agua Blanca (9 233 354 N, 794 129 E). 

MCAM-1 station (permanent station): located at Piedra Redonda Amaro (9 240 630 N, 789 640 E). 

SIAM sheets from these monitoring stations are presented in Appendix 6.8. 

Methodology 

Particle Matter 

High volume samplers capable of operating 24 hours will be used for particle matter measurements. 

To avoid sample contamination each filter will be installed and removed in a clean environment. Filters 

will be removed avoiding damage or particle damage or addition and particles will be stored in a dry, 

clean, and leak-proof bag. Each time a filter is installed it will be inspected for damages or creases. 



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Filters will be forwarded monthly to an INDECOPI-approved specialized laboratory. PM10 and PM2.5 levels 

will be determined by gravity. An analysis will be performed for PM10 to determine metal concentrations, 

including lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) via an “Inductively Coupled Plasma” (ICP) method. 

This program involves a quarterly quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), which includes sampling 

equipment calibration and inspection and the supervision of operational procedures proper application. 

For PM10 monitoring purposes, MYSRL has Procedure MA-I-002 available, which is discussed in 

Appendix 6.9 and, among other things; states that ambient air quality monitoring will be the responsibility 

of monitoring assistants, who will also have the responsibility of collecting field data and forwarding 

equipment filters to the corresponding laboratory. Equipment general operations are divided into routine 

and maintenance activities. Routine activities consist of filter replacement between sampling days, 

operation checks, and, in the event of malfunction, repair or manage repairs. Maintenance activities will 

be part of a periodic program that will allow the equipment operation for a longer period of time and less 

malfunction incidents. 

Gasses 

Automated analyzers certified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency will be used for 

NO2, SO2, and CO measurements which will be calibrated in compliance with technical standards 

included in D.S. Nº 074-2001-PCM. 

To ensure proper operation of monitoring equipment, it will be periodically inspected (QA/QC). Inspection 

frequency may vary based on equipment use with a minimum frequency of three months. 

Quality Assurance/Quality Control 

Equipment calibration procedures will be included in instruction manuals. These manuals will be stored 

at MYSRL’s Environment Department. Equipment calibration will be performed in compliance with 

USEPA’s “Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems”. This program includes 

a quarterly quality control which comprises sampling equipment calibration and inspection activities. 

Supervision includes the proper use of operational procedures and maintenance checks. 

Routine maintenance will be performed each sampling day. In the case of PM10 and PM2.5 sampling 

equipment, the following must be included: 

Check energy cables for creases, cracks, or damage signs. 

Inspect metallic fabric filters, filter holder gasket, and sample gasket; if sediment present, remove. 

Inspect filter cartridge and replace if damaged. 

Perform flow calibration. 

In the case of continuous gas analyzers, routine maintenance will include immediate reaction to 

instrument warning messages, regular inspections, and checks. 

Frequency 

Quarterly ambient air quality measurements will be performed during the construction stage. In the 

specific case of permanent stations, PM10 concentrations (including metal) and PM2.5 concentrations will 

be monitored every 3 days based on 24-hour recordings, in compliance with MEM’s Air and Emissions 

Monitoring Protocol (1993). Similarly, gas monitoring will be performed during a 24-hour period, with a 

quarterly frequency. 

During the operation stage, measurement frequently will be every 6 months, considering the dry and wet 

seasons, throughout the project’s useful life. 


Ambient air quality measurement reports to be filed with MEM will include the following information: 



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Monitoring program pertinent aspects summary for the reported period. 

PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations for each sample run for the reported period. 

Gravimetric analysis lab documents (before and after weighing filters) for the reported period. 

Metal concentration, including arsenic and lead, for each sample run during the reported period. 

NO2, SO2 and CO concentration during the reported period. 

Listing of values exceeding environmental ambient air quality guidelines during the sampling period. 

Time series analysis. 

Space-time variability analysis for obtained results. 

Reports will be filed with MEM every six months. 

6.2.2.4 Noise and Vibration Levels 

Aspects 

Noise and vibration level increments are related to earthworks, infrastructure location, vehicle traffic, pit 

mining, among other activities. 

Monitoring objectives: 

Safeguard the health of the project’s surrounding communities. 

Comply with this EIA’s commitments and noise environmental quality domestic standards. 

Oversee environmental quality by generating reliable, comparable, and representative information to be 

applied to MYSRL’s environmental strategy. 

Parameters 

Vibration and noise level monitoring considers the evaluation of the following parameters: 

Noise 

Equivalent sound pressure level (NPSeq.). 

Vibrations 

Particle vertical speed or acceleration. 


To evaluate environment sound levels the existing regulation developed by the Environment National 

Council’s National Standard Regulations for Noise Environmental Quality – D.S. Nº 085-2003-PCM has 

been considered. This regulation establishes domestic policies for noise control management defining 

attributes and pending tasks on the subject for different government entities as well. 

Noise levels will also comply with the levels established in the Mine Safety and Health Regulations – D.S. 

Nº 046-2001-EM. 

To evaluate vibrations levels, international maximum allowable vibration level standards, ISO 2631-2 

“Evaluation of human exposure to whole-body vibration”, “Part 2: Continuous and shock-induced vibration 

in buildings (1 to 80 Hz)”, which provides guidelines to evaluate human responses to vibration will be 

used. Selected descriptors correspond to spectral curves for vibration levels in one eighth third from a 1 

Hz to 80 Hz band, according to the specified frequency rang specified in the ISO standard. The standard 

used to evaluate blasting vibration levels is DIN 4150:1979 developed by the German Normalization 

Institute (Deutsches Institut für Normung—DIN). Reference values recommended by DIN 4150 are based 

on the type of building. 




6-40

The selection criteria to determine noise and vibration monitoring stations are the location of intermediate 

points between the community and generation sources. Noise and vibration monitoring stations are 

included in Figure 6.2.2, included next: 

Namococha Station: located at town of same name (9 236 129 N, 785 174 E). 

Lagunas de Combayo Station (mobile station): located in town of same name (9 232 232 N, 784 534 E). 

Quengorío Alto Station: located at the town of same name (9 238 886 N, 785 306 E). 

MCSN-1 Station: located at San Nicolas de Chailhuagon (9 230 146 N, 789 276 E). 

MCAB-1 Station: located at Agua Blanca (9 233 354 N, 794 129 E). 

MCAM-1 Station: located at Piedra Redonda Amaro (9 240 630 N, 789 640 E). 

SIAM sheets for these monitoring stations are included in Appendix 6.8. 

Methodology 

Noise measurements will be performed similarly to the ones developed in the baseline study, in day and 

night schedules. Each measuring point will be located as near as possible to receptors. 

Information recording during monitoring activities will include the following: 

Measurement date and time. 

Type of noise, fixed and mobile sources (machinery, vehicle traffic, etc.) identification. 

Receptor identification (immision point), indicating surface and obstacle surface and reference points. 

Identification of other noise or vibration sources that may have an impact on measurements, specifying 

origin and characteristics. 

Recorded descriptors are Equivalent Noise Pressure Levels (NPSeq). 

If applicable, obtain NPSeq values for background noise to perform corresponding corrections. 

In the case of vibrations, measurements at each point consist of an acceleration level spectral record, in 

dB, applying the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) method from 1 Hz to 100 Hz and Hanning window. 

Subsequently, a sole VVP (particle vertical velocity, in mm/s) and Lv (velocity level, in dBv) values are 

obtained. 

Current certification for instrumental used. 

Information of party responsible of measurements. 

Frequency 

Considering that according to the performed modeling noise and vibration levels during the construction 

and operation stages are not significant and that the Environmental Management Plan’s measurements 

to be implemented are adequate to reduce the project’s impacts on noise and vibration levels, a 

significant increment of these parameters at intermediate areas between the emission source and 

receptors is not expected. 

During the construction stage, noise and vibration monitoring will be performed every six months, 

matching day, and time of highest intensity of works to adjust the model and expected mitigation 

measures. 

At the same time, noise and vibration monitoring will also be performed with a six month frequency during 

the operation stage. We must point out that monitoring includes additional measurements parallel to 

blasting activities at the pit during the operation stage. 

Information and report management 

Noise reports will be filed every six month with MINEM, which will include the following information: 

Summary of relevant aspects of monitoring program for reported period. 

Recorded information for each evaluation as per described methodology. 



6-41

Recorded equivalent noise pressure levels. 

Recorded noise level analysis, benchmarked with aforementioned domestic standards. 

Space-time variability analysis of obtained results. 

Although it is true that noise standards applicable to the fauna are not available, an interpretation of 

obtained results will be performed for fauna monitoring results. 

6.2.2.5 Soil 

Aspects 

Monitoring activities for this sub-component are related to topsoil stockpiles’ physical, chemical, and 

biological properties located within the mine area. 

Soil monitoring at topsoil stockpiles includes the following objectives: 

Generate quality information benchmarked with the initial characterization data to be applied during the 

Project Conga’s revegetation process. 

Maintain proper quality of stored topsoil during the operation period since it will be used for the 

progressive and final closure of the Conga project’s facilities. 

Parameters 

As part of the soil sub-component’s Environmental Monitoring Program, it is recommended to perform 

monitoring of physical, chemical, and biological indicators detailed in Chart 6.2.1: 

Chart 6.2.1 

Soil Quality Monitoring Parameters at Topsoil Stockpiles 

Physical indicators 

Chemical indicators 

Biological indicators 

Texture (sand, slime, and clay percent) 

Apparent density 

Hydraulic conductivity 

Structure 

pH 

Extractable N, P, and K (available plant nutrients) 

Cation exchange capacity (CEC) 

Gravimetric moisture percentage (percentHg) 

Total bacteria 

Total actinomycets 

Total fungi 

Nitrification bacteria quantification 

Free nitrogen fixing bacteria quantification 

Microbiotic biomass 

Biomass carbon 

Soil organic carbon 


Specific topsoil monitoring regulations are not available; however, the Guidelines for Topsoil 

Characterization for Sustainable Land Management of the United Nations (FAO, 1998) and the guidelines 

for topsoil management of the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be applied. 


Monitoring points will be randomly established within the soil disposal’s area for each topsoil stockpile. It 

is proposed, based on volume stored, to established 15 monitoring points for the topsoil stockpile Nº1, 10 

monitoring points for the topsoil stockpile Nº2 & 3; and 5 monitoring points for the topsoil stockpile Nº 4. 



6-42

Methodology 

Sampling will be performed according to the following methodology: 

Monitoring points will be randomly established for each sampling. 

Physical and chemical parameter monitoring will be required for all samples at a depth where most root 

penetration is expected. On the other hand, 4 samples will be taken at different depths for monitoring 

purposes based on the following distribution: i) at a depth in which most root penetration is expected, ii) 

at 1 m depth, iii) at 2 m depth; and iv) at 3 m depth. 

Sample collection will follow the same procedures for the environmental baseline of aforementioned soil 

sub-components (Chapter 3). 

Frequency 

As part of the soil sub-components’ Environmental Monitoring Program, it is recommended the monitoring 

frequency included in Chart 6.2.2. 

Soil physical indicators 

Chart 6.2.2 

Monitoring Frequency for Soil Quality at Topsoil Stockpiles 

Indicators Monitoring frequency 

Texture (sand, slime, and clay percent) Annual monitoring 

Apparent density 

Monitoring every 6 months 

(Dry and wet season) 

Hydraulic conductivity Annual monitoring 

Structure 

Soil chemicals 

Annual monitoring 

pH 

Monitoring every 6 months 

(Dry and wet season) 

Extractable N, P, and K Annual monitoring 

Cation exchange capacity (CEC) 

Soil biological indicators 

Annual monitoring 

Gravimetric moisture percentage (percentHg) Annual monitoring 

Total bacteria Annual monitoring 

Total actinomycets Annual monitoring 

Total fungi Annual monitoring 

Nitrification bacteria quantification Annual monitoring 

Free nitrogen fixing bacteria quantification Annual monitoring 

Microbiotic biomass Annual monitoring 

Biomass carbon Annual monitoring 

Soil organic carbon Annual monitoring 


The results of implemented programs will be included in the project’s environmental data, being internally 

managed. 

6.2.2.6 Surface water 

Surface Water in Rivers, Streams, and Lakes 

Aspects 

Water surface monitoring objectives: 



6-43

Evaluate surface quality and quantity trends to establish residual and potential impacts and check the 

proper operation of the project’s proposed environmental measures. 

Expand existing surface water seasonal quality, quantity, and dynamic database. 

Check compliance of corresponding regulation. 

Specific objectives: 

Surface Water Quality 

Monitor water quality at the project’s main water bodies and identify composition potential variations due 

to future construction activities. 

Monitor water quality of water bodies susceptible to impacts due to the operation area’s specific 

activities. 

Monitor water quality of water bodies that would be exposed to external variables that may impact their 

basal quality, even if no impact is expected from the project’s operations. 

Water Flow 

Monitor the hydrological system at the Toromacho, Alto Jadibamba river, Chugurmayo, Alto Chirimayo, 

and Chailhuagon river basins checking estimated flow in the baseline and model results developed for 

impact evaluation purposes. 

Parameters 

Surface Water Quality at Rivers, Streams, and Lakes 

Surface water in rivers, streams, and lakes will be evaluated in situ for monitoring purposes, i.e., 

monitoring stations, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and electrical conductivity. On the other hand, 

the following parameters will be analyzed at the laboratory: 

Total suspended solids (TSS) 

Total hardness 

Nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate 

Sulfides 

Total metals (As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn, Hg, Ba, B, Co, Li, Mg, and Ag) according to ECA - 

Category 3 and LMPs. 

Oil and grease 

Cyanide and WAD cyanide 

Xanthates (associated to the flotation process. They will be monitored from the start of the operation 

stage) 

Chrome (VI) 

DBO and DQO 

Total and fecal coliforms 

These parameters were proposed in compliance with the requirements of D.S. Nº 002-2008-MINAM, 

Category 3, ECA application for water, established by MINAM and area’s LMPs; additionally, these 

parameters have also been proposed for the process’ characteristics to be applied by MYSRL to mine 

ore. 

Water Flow 

Water flow of lotic water bodies and lentic water level will be measured for surface water amount 

monitoring purposes. 

Environmental Regulations or Criteria 

Reference surface water quality regulations are: Water Resources Law (Law Nº29338) and National 

Water Quality Standards, Ministry of Environment, (D.S. Nº002-2008- MINAM). 



6-44


Location of facilities discussed as part of this EIA, drainage system, and river intersections and water 

streams that may be affected by the project’s construction and operation activities have been considered 

for the location of monitoring stations. Figure 6.2.3 includes the monitoring network and Table 6.2.1 

includes their location and brief description. SIAM sheets of these monitoring stations are included in 

Appendix 6.8. 

Methodology 

Water Quality 

The procedures established in the “Water quality monitoring protocol” (MEM, 1993) and the “Minemetallurgic 

activities surface water quality evaluation guidelines” (MEM, 2007) will be followed for 

sampling purposes. MYSRL’s MA-P-018 water and soil monitoring procedure included in Appendix 6.9 

will be followed. Regarding surface water quality monitoring, this procedure states that monitoring will be 

the responsibility of the Environmental Monitoring Supervisor, Data Capturing Analysis Specialist, 

Specialist I, and Environmental Monitoring Assistants regarding water quality monitoring and it should 

follow the following stages to perform an appropriate sampling: field visit preparation, field parameter 

measurements, sampling conservation, and shipping. The manual “Handbook for Sampling and Sample 

preservation of Water and Wastewater” (EPA, 1982) and the Water Quality Monitoring – A Practical 

Guide to the Design and Implementation of Freshwater Quality Studies and Monitoring Programs” 

(UNEP/WHO, 1996) guideline will be used as reference. 

Methodologies and detection limits to be followed that will be measured are detailed in the “Standard 

Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater” (APHA, 2005) and “Test Methods” (EPA, 2003). 

Methodology for different monitoring stages is the following: 

Preparation Before Sampling 

Tasks before sampling include the development of field data forms and calibration of sensors of the 

different equipment to be employed. 

Sampling Procedures 

Record pertinent data in field data forms. 

Test equipment before each sampling. If field calibration fails, recalibrate equipment or correct error 

according to the instruction manual. 

Label sample collection container, making sure that all pertinent information is included. This 

information will include point code, date, and time of sampling, parameters to be analyzed, preservative 

used, and name of responsible party taking sample. This information will also be recorded in field logs, 

along with other relevant data such as filed parameter recordings (temperature, pH, electrical 

conductivity, and dissolved oxygen), climate data, and a description of the location where sample was 

collected. 

Depending on the parameters to be analyzed and if the container included the required preservative, 

container must be rinsed three times with water from stream or downstream where sample will be taken 

before taking sample. 

Collect sample(s) in an appropriate container and if it does not contain the required preservative, 

preserve sample(s) as applicable. 

Place sample(s) in an appropriate portable container with ice pack and/or dry ice depending of the 

monitoring area and access point for preservation purposes. 

Any material or equipment that enters into contact with the sample, such as probes, gloves, and flasks, 

between sampling points must be discarded or washed with deionized water. 

Store samples in a cold environment and deliver to laboratory as soon as possible and within the 

timetable established by the corresponding test’s protocols. 

Perform periodic maintenance for all equipment and appropriately store them. 



6-45

Sample and document custodial procedures 

Sample and document custodial standard operation procedures are described next. The purpose of 

these measures is to ensure sample integrity during collection, transportation, analysis and reporting 

procedures. 

Before sending to the laboratory, the person in charge of collecting sample must fill out the chain of 

custody form, record that will be placed with the sample(s) within the sample container (cooler). 

The chain of custody will contain the following information as minimum requirement: name of sampling 

station, collection date, parameters to be analyzed, and type of preservation. Additionally, field date, 

comments on sample appearance, environmental conditions, or any other pertinent observation can be 

included. 

The person in charge of collection sample shall be responsible of the care and custody of same until 

properly delivered to the laboratory. 

During transportation of samples, each person taking possession of the container (cooler) will receive a 

copy of the chain of custody form. When transferring sample possession, the cessionary will sign and 

place date and time in the chain of custody form. 

Laboratory analysis 

Services of an INDECOPI certified laboratory qualified to perform analysis of collected samples will be 

used. Periodic measures will be taken to ensure and control the laboratory’s quality and procedures in 

compliance with the guidelines described in the following section. 

Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) 

A strict QA/QC program will increase data integrity and reliability. In the case of water quality sampling 

programs, field duplicates, blanks, and certified standard will be periodically collected. 

Field duplicates must show values with a PDR range of ±20percent (relative dispersion percentage) 

versus the original sample results. 

For blank samples with a PDR percent of no more than 10percent between the field blank and 

laboratory blank will be considered if no historical analyte database is available. As soon as sufficient 

historical information is available the quality criteria will be established using control cards and results 

will be within a confidence interval (CI) of 95percent developed with historical data from average and 

standard deviation. 

Standards must be within a 95percent confidence interval (CI) or, alternately, when no historical analyte 

information is available, will have a ±10percent PDRpercent versus certified values. 

Sampling and other activities that may have an impact on data quality must be performed in compliance 

with formally documented procedures. Sample container (cooler), preservative, and sample retention 

time must be appropriate for collected samples. 

Water Flow and Levels 

Point surface water flow or stream measurements will be performed with a flow meter and water mirror 

measurements at lakes will be performed using a limnimeter scale. 

Regarding water flow measurements, Appendix 6.9 includes MA-I-004 to determine volume follow using a 

flow meter, which states that flow measurements will be in charge of the Data Analysis Specialist I and 

Environmental Monitoring Assistants. Flow cross section velocity will be measured considering the 

following methods: maximum velocity, velocity level, varying velocity, asymmetrical flow, and velocity 

varying level. 

Stream monitoring can also be performed using calibrated outlets or continuous water measuring 

stations, which will allow a detailed follow-up of the river and stream’s flow system. 



6-46

Frequency 

A quarterly monitoring frequency has been considered for the different monitoring stations. 

6.2.2.6.1 Information and report management 

Laboratory analysis results will be received in printed and digital format. Digital information will be 

imported into the environmental database and quarterly reports will be issued. 

6.2.2.7 Surface water at project facilities 

6.2.2.7.1 Aspects 

Water will be monitored at certain facilities of the Conga project that due to their characteristics may have 

an impact on river, stream, and lake water quality within the study area. These monitoring activities will 

include the following general objective: 

Evaluate surface water quality trends to establish potential residual impacts and check proper operation 

of the project’s proposed environmental measures. 

The following are considered as specific objectives: 

6.2.2.7.1.1 Surface water quality at the project’s facilities 

Monitor water quality at specific water and tailings storage facilities and identify potential composition 

variations. 

Monitor water quality at the project’s implemented reservoirs for operations and user needs and 

environment water disposal. 

6.2.2.7.1.2 Water level 

Water level will be monitored at the project’s four reservoirs. It won’t be necessary to monitor flow at the 

project’s remaining facilities that will be monitored since they include controlled discharges. 

6.2.2.7.2 Parameters 

6.2.2.7.2.1 Surface water quality at the project’s facilities 

In the case of surface water monitoring at the project’s facilities pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and 

electrical conductivity will be evaluated in situ. On the other hand, the laboratory will analyze the 

following parameters: 

At the Perol, Chailhuagon, Upper and Lower reservoirs: 



Nitrates, phosphates, and sulfates 

Sulfides 

Total metals (As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn, Hg, Ba, B, Co, Li, Mg, and Ag) in compliance with 

ECA - Category 3 and LMPs. 



Xanthates (associated to flotation process and will be monitored from the start of the operation stage) 

Chromium (VI) 

DBO and DQO 


These parameters have been proposed in compliance with the requirements of D.S. Nº 002-2008- 

MINAM, Category 3, regarding the application of water ECAs established by MINAM and area’s LMPs. 

For acid water treatment plant: 



6-47



ECA - Category 3, and LMPs. 

Chromium (VI) 

At the Chirimayo and Chailhuagon sediment ponds: 


For the seepage collection system, the following will be analyzed: 


6.2.2.7.3 Environmental regulations or criteria 

Surface water quality regulations references for the project’s facilities are: Allowable Maximum Level 

(LMP) for Mine-Metallurgic Activities Approval Ministerial Resolution (R.M. Nº 011-96-EM/VMM) and 

Water Resources Law (Law Nº29338) and Environmental Quality National Standard of the Ministry of 

Environment (D.S. Nº002-2008-MINAM). 

6.2.2.7.4 Monitoring Stations 

For the Project Conga’s monitoring station location purposes, those facilities that may have an impact on 

water quality of water bodies nearby that the project’s area has been considering, which are: 

Perol, Chailhuagon, Upper and Lower reservoirs 


Chirimayo and Chailhuagon sediment ponds 

Table 6.2.1b includes location coordinates for these facilities and they are included in Figure 6.2.3. 

6.2.2.7.5 Methodology 

6.2.2.7.5.1 Water quality 

The procedures established by the “Water quality monitoring protocol” (MEM, 1993) and the “Surface 

water quality impact evaluation guidelines for mine-metallurgic activities” (MEM, 2007) will be followed for 

monitoring purposes. MYSRL’s MA-P-018 Procedure on water and soil monitoring, which is included in 

Appendix 6.9, will be followed. Regarding surface water amount monitoring, this procedure states that 

monitoring will be the responsibility of the Environmental Monitoring Supervisor, Data Analysis Specialist 

II, Specialist I, and Environmental Monitoring Assistants and will follow the following stages to properly 

perform sampling activities: field visit preparation, field parameter measurements, sample preservation, 

and shipping. As reference, the “Handbook for Sampling and Sample preservation of Water and 

Wastewater” (EPA, 1982) and “Water Quality Monitoring – A Practical Guide to the Design and 

Implementation of Freshwater Quality Studies and Monitoring Programs” (UNEP/WHO, 1996) will be 

used. 

Detection methodologies and limit to be followed for the different parameters that will be followed are 

detailed in the “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater” (APHA, 2005) and “Test 

Methods” (USEPA, 2003). 

A detail of the following monitoring stages is included next: 

Sampling preparation 

Tasks before sampling include developing field data forms and sensor calibration and decontamination 

for the different equipment to be employed. 



6-48

Sampling procedures 


Test equipment before each sampling activity. If field calibration fails, recalibrate equipment or correct 

error following the manual’s instructions. 

Label sample collection container making sure that it includes all required information. This information 

will include point code, sampling date and time, parameters to be analyzed, preservative employed, and 

name of person taking sample. This information will also be recorded in the field log along with relevant 

data such as field parameter records (temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen), 

weather data, and sampling location description. 

Depending on the parameters to be analyzed and if the bottle contains required preservative, bottle will 

be rinsed at least three times with stream or downstream water from collection area before taking 

sample. 

Collect sample(s) in an appropriate container and, if it does not contain required preservative, preserve 

sample(s) as applicable. 

Properly place sample(s) in adequate portable container that includes ice pack and/or dry ice, 

depending of the area or accessibility of monitoring point, for preservation purposes. 

Any material and equipment that enters in contact with the sample, such as probes, gloves, or flasks 

between sample points must be discarded or rinsed with deionized water. 

Store samples in a cold environment and deliver to laboratory as soon as possible. 

Perform regular maintenance for all equipment and properly store. 


Operational standard sample and documentation custodial procedures are described next. The purpose 

of these measures is to ensure sample quality during collection, transportation, analysis, and report 

activities. 

Before delivering sample to the laboratory, the person in charge of sample collection must fill out the 

chain of custody form, record that will be placed along with sample(s) inside the sample’s container 

(cooler). 

The chain of custody form will include the following minimum information: name of station, collection 

date and time, name of person in charge of sampling, parameter(s) that be analyzed and type of 

preservation. At the same time, field data, appearance observations, environmental conditions or any 

other observation considered pertinent can be added. 

The person in charge of collecting samples will be responsible for the care and custody of same until 

properly delivered to the receiving laboratory. 

Each person taking possession of container (cooler) will receive a copy of the chain of custody form 

during transportation of samples. When transferring samples, the cessionary will sign and include date 

and time in the chain of custody form. 

Laboratory Analysis 

The services of an INDECOPI approved laboratory certified to perform analysis of collected samples will 

be used. Periodic assurance and quality control measures of laboratory and its procedures will be 

performed in compliance with the procedures described in the following section. 

Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) 

A strict QA/QC program will enhance data integrity and reliability. In the case of water quality sampling, 

field duplicates, blanks, and certified standards will be collected periodically. Allowable QA/QC sample 

limits are as follows: 

Field duplicates must show an PDR percent value range of ±20percent (relative dispersion value) 

versus the results of original sample. 

For blank samples with a PDR percent of no more than 10percent between the field blank and 

laboratory blank will be considered if no historical analyte database is available. As soon as sufficient 



6-49

historical information is available the quality criteria will be established using control cards and results 

will be within a confidence interval (CI) of 95percent developed with historical data from average and 

standard deviation. 

Standards must have a confidence interval (CI) of 95percent or, alternatively, when no analyte historical 

data is available, they will have a PDR percent of ±10percent versus certified values. 

Sampling and other activities that may affect quality data must be performed in compliance with formally 

documented procedures. The sample container (cooler), preservative, and sample retention time must 

be appropriate to the type of sample collected. 

6.2.2.7.5.2 Water levels 

Water mirror level measurements will be performed using a limnimeter scale. 

6.2.2.7.6 Frequency 

A quarterly monitoring frequency has been considered for the different monitoring stations. In the specific 

case of Xanthates, they will be monitored during the operation stage since the potential concentrations of 

this parameter would be associated to the flotation process. 


The laboratory analysis results will be received in printed and in electronic format. Electronic information 

will be imported into the environmental monitoring database and reports will be issued quarterly. 

6.2.2.8 Groundwater 

6.2.2.8.1.1 Aspects 

General objectives for groundwater monitoring are: 

Evaluate groundwater quantity and quality to establish potential residual impacts and check proper 

operation of the project’s proposed environmental management measures or establish measurement 

improvements from generated data. 

Augment existing aquifer loading and discharge quality, quantity, and season dynamics data. 

Check compliance with current law. 

The following specific objectives will be considered: 

6.2.2.8.1.2 Groundwater quality 

Monitor water quality of selected monitoring wells from those established in the baseline near the 

project area’s major facilities and identify potential variations due to future construction and operation 

activities. 

Monitor water quality at groundwater (springs) outcrops susceptible to impacts due to specific activities 

associated to the operations area. 

6.2.2.8.1.3 Water level 

Evaluate water table variations from existing monitoring wells or piezometers as part of the 

environmental baseline. 

Check existing relation between groundwater and signs of same through springs. 


6.2.2.8.2.1 Groundwater quality 

pH, temperature, dissolved, and electrical conductivity parameters will be evaluated in situ for 

groundwater quality monitoring purposes. On the other hand, the laboratory will analyze the following 

parameters: 




6-50


Nitrates, phosphates, and sulfates 

Sulfides 


ECA - Category 1, and LMPs. 



Xanthates (associated to the flotation process and they will monitoring from the start of the operation 

stage) 

Chromium (VI) 

DBO and DQO 


These parameters have been proposes in compliance with D.S. Nº 002-2008-MINAM, Category 1 for the 

application of water ECAs established by the MINAM and areas LMPs. 


There aren’t specific groundwater monitoring regulations; however, the following surface water quality 

regulations are applied: Water Resources Law (Law Nº29338) and National Standards for Water 

Environmental Quality of the Ministry of Environment (Supreme Decree Nº002-2008-MINAM). 

6.2.2.8.4 Monitoring stations 

The locations discussed as part of the project and described in Chapter 4of this EIA, aquifer system, 

including water table intersections evidenced in outcrops such as springs that may be affected by 

project’s construction or operation activities have been considered for the location of monitoring stations. 

In this manner, the groundwater system of main basins part of the loading and discharging system is 

covered. 

Table 6.2.2 includes UTM coordinates and a brief description of monitoring points. Figure 6.2.4 shows 

locations of same. SIAM sheets of these stations are included in Appendix 6.8. 


6.2.2.8.5.1 Water quality 

The procedures established in the “Water quality monitoring protocol” (MEM, 1993) and the “Surface 

water quality impact evaluation for mine metallurgic activities evaluation guidelines” (MEM, 2007) will be 

followed for monitoring purposes. MYSRL’s MA-P-018 Procedure on water and soil monitoring, included 

in Appendix 6.9, will be followed. This procedure states that groundwater monitoring activities will be in 

charge of the Environmental Monitoring Supervisor, Data Acquisition Analysis Specialist II, Specialist I, 

and Environmental Monitoring Assistants and must follow the following stages to properly collect 

samples: cleaning of equipment to be used, instrument checking, well static water evacuation, water 

sample collection, and sample filtering. The “Handbook for Sampling and Sample preservation of Water 

and Wastewater” (EPA, 1982) and “Water Quality Monitoring – A Practical Guide to the Design and 

Implementation of Freshwater Quality Studies and Monitoring Programs” (UNEP/WHO, 1996) will be used 

as reference. 

Detection methodologies and limits to be followed for different parameters that will be measured are 

detailed in the “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater” (APHA, 2005) and “Test 

Methods” (EPA, 2003). 

Next a detail methodology for monitoring stages is detailed: 

Preparation before sampling 



6-51

Tasks before sampling include the development of field data forms and sensor calibration and 

decontamination for the different equipment to be employed. 

Sampling procedures 


Test equipment before each sampling. If field calibration fails, recalibrate equipment or correct error 

following the instructions manual’s instructions. 

Label sample container including all required information. This information will include point code, 

sampling date and time, parameters to be analyzed, preservative employed, and name of responsible 

party taking sample. This information will also be recorded in the field log along with other relevant data 

such as field parameter records (temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen), 

weather data, and a description of sampling location. 

Depending of the parameter to be analyzed and if the bottle contains the required preservative, bottle 

will be rinsed three times with stream or downstream water where sample will be taken before sampling. 

Collect sample(s) in appropriate container and, if it does not contain required preservative, preserve 

sample(s) as applicable. 

Properly place sample(s) in appropriate portable container, including ice pack and/or dry ice depending 

of the monitoring point area or accessibility for preservation purposes. 

All material and equipment that enters in contact with sample, such as probes, gloves, and flasks, 

between sampling points must be discarded or rinsed with deionized water. 

Store samples in a cold environment and deliver samples to the laboratory as soon as possible. 

Perform equipment regular maintenance and store appropriately. 


Standard operation sample and documentation custodial procedures are described next. The purpose of 

these measures is to ensure the integrity of all samples during collection, transportation, analysis and 

report development activities. 

Before forwarding samples to the laboratory, the person in charge of collecting same will have to fill out 

chain of custody form which will be placed along with sample(s) inside the sample container (cooler). 

Chain of custody form will contain the following minimum information: name of sampling station, 

collection date, and time, name of person taking sample, parameter(s) to be analyzed, and type of 

preservative. At the same time, field data, comments on the sample’s appearance or any other 

pertinent observation can be included. 

The person collecting samples will be responsible of samples care and custody until forwarded to the 

receiving laboratory. 

During sample transportation, each person taking possession of the container (cooler) will receive a 

copy of the chain of custody form. When transferring sample possession, the cessionary will sign and 

place date and time in chain of custody form. 

Laboratory analysis 

The services of an IDECOPI certified laboratory qualified to perform analysis of collected samples will be 

used. Laboratory and procedure quality assurance and control measures will be taken periodically as per 

guidelines described in the following section. 

Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) 

A strict QA/QC program will increase data integrity and reliability. In the case of water quality sampling 

programs, field duplicates, blanks, and certified standard will be collected. Allowable sample QA/QC 

limits are as follows: 

Field duplicates must show values within a ±20percent PDR percent (relative dispersion rate) range 

versus the results of original sample. 



6-52

In the case of blank samples, initially a maximum PDRpercent of 10percent between field blanks and 

laboratory blanks for all parameters analyzed is considered if no analyte historical data is available. As 

soon as enough historical information is available, quality criteria will be established using control cards 

in which results must fall within a confidence interval (CI) of 95percent which will be developed from 

historical data based on average and standard deviations. 

Standards must be within a confidence interval (CI) of 95percent or, alternatively, when no analyte 

historical information is available, will have a PDRpercent of 10percent versus certified values. 

Sampling and other activities that may have an impact on data quality must be performed in compliance 

with formally documented procedures. Sample container (cooler), preservative, and retention time must 

be appropriate to the type of collected sample. 

6.2.2.8.5.2 Water levels 

In the case of those monitoring points of installed piezometers, wells, and probes; water level 

measurements will be performed. 


A quarterly monitoring frequency for the different monitoring stations has been anticipated, as long as 

evaluated concentrations for supervising parameters do not exceed the quality standards; otherwise, they 

will be performed monthly. 

In the case of springs, monitoring can be started before construction activities begin as described in the 

introduction of the Environmental Monitoring Program (page 56). 


Laboratory analysis results will be received in printed and electronic format. Electronic information will be 

imported into the environmental database and quarterly reports will be developed. 

Groundwater quality data will be reported quarterly or every six months to the MEM, in compliance with 

R.M. Nº 011-96-EM/VMM. 

6.2.2.9 Flora and vegetation 

6.2.2.9.1 Aspects 

Flora and vegetation monitoring includes the development and control of a revegetation and bog 

management plan. Monitoring will serve to determine the need to reevaluate actions taken and/or 

improve these actions based on results. At the same time, it will provide information that will allow an 

evaluation of the success of species used, mixture, and crop treatment. Monitoring will allow an 

identification of transitory foreign species used for remediation activities with invasive dispersion potential. 

Additionally, native species with recolonization potential will be identified and will be used to reinforce 

areas that require additional revegetation and/or revegetation of new areas. 

Flora and vegetation monitoring activities imply monitoring of the Ephedra rupestris “pinco pinco”, 

Solanum jalcae, and other species that have a conservation status and that, given the project’s impacts, 

are considered worth studying. Monitoring will allow the evaluation of the success of measures discussed 

in the specific management program for these species. 


The revegetation plan will evaluate the survival of the species used, considering the community’s total 

coverage, phenological status, and average height of dominant species. If monitoring program indicates 

that vegetation coverage is not reestablished as expected or detects excessive soil erosion, the affected 

area will be outlined again (if required) and reseeded. 



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When monitoring the Ephedra rupestris, Solanum jalcae and other species under conservation status, the 

propagation success will be evaluated based on the density, strength, interspecific competence, 

phenological status, and average height of individuals. 

6.2.2.9.3 Environmental regulations 

Currently, legal regulations related to flora and vegetation monitoring are not available; consequently, the 

endangered species lists such as D.S N° 043-2006-AG, the IUCN red list and CITES Appendices will be 

referenced. 


Monitoring will be performed to evaluate the revegetation program and specific management plans. 

Monitoring activities imply evaluations ex situ at the nursery to be implemented by MYSRL, where in situ 

propagation and evaluation tests will be performed while transferring main vegetation species. At the 

same time, monitoring will be performed in enclosed and revegetated areas. 


Individuals will be relocated to plots designed to learn density and success or mortality rates per 

determined area. 


Monitoring of planted species (revegetated) will be performed after the first week of revegetation and 

quarterly thereafter until self-sustainability of same is assured. In the case of propagation tests and 

transportation of individuals, monitoring will be continuous depending of the particular needs of the 

species. 


Results of implemented tests will be included in the project’s environmental database, managed 

internally. 

6.2.2.10 Land fauna 

6.2.2.10.1 Aspects 

Monitoring of wildlife includes the following main groups: birds and mammals. At the same time, specific 

monitoring will be performed for vertebrate protected species. The relevance of these groups’ monitoring 

stems from the fact that several of their species can be considered as environmental indicators due to 

their sensitivity to anthropic alterations, besides the fact that they are included in the domestic and 

international protection categories being their conservation a priority. This implies monitoring their 

populations and protection of their habitat as an implicit portion of the project’s development. 

6.2.2.10.1.1 Avifauna 

Control areas and areas located within the project’s area of influence will be used to monitor the avifauna. 

Control areas will be representative of the system’s basal conditions and they will record the same 

variables or parameters recorded for the area of influence. Hence, when comparing results for the 

locations within the area of influence with records from the control area, an estimation of the magnitude of 

the potential impact will be performed. 

Due to its conservation status, the development of a monitoring program of protected bird species 

detailed in Section 6.1.7 is recommended. This monitoring is part of the investigation plans for this 

species, some of which are little known regarding current distribution and conservation status. Monitoring 

will include population, nesting, feeding, distribution, and habitat preference studies for the protected 

species that inhabit the project’s surrounding shrub and forest areas. 

6.2.2.10.1.2 Mammals 

Control areas and areas located within the Conga project’s area of influence will be employed to perform 

mammal monitoring activities. Similar to bird monitoring activities, the control areas will be representative 



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of the system’s basal conditions which will be compared with parameter values obtained from areas 

located within the project’s area. 

Monitoring activities will include the implementation of a live rodent trap transection, the most sensitive 

group and the easiest to monitor amongst recorded mammals. Monitoring activities will focus on the 

presence of individuals within and outside the project’s area. Counts for trace searches and sightings will 

be implemented at the same monitoring points. Similarly, monitoring of Cajamarca’s oldfield mouse, 

Thomasomys praetor, which is endemic to the north of Peru and is under a vulnerable status will be 

performed. Points within and outside the project’s will be established to learn about the population’s 

status and implement conservation plans for this species. 


Parameters to be evaluated are as follows: 

Avifauna 

Diversity index 

Index of abundance 

Composition of sensitive groups 

Distribution range 

Mammals 

Relative abundance indexes 

Group composition 

Distribution range 

6.2.2.10.3 Environmental regulations 

Domestic regulations for land fauna monitoring are not available. Priority will be given to those species 

listed in a conservation list (D.S. Nº 034-2004-AG, UICN o CITES when monitoring this sub-component); 

however, there is other criteria to be considered such as belonging to functional groups or most relevant 

species within the ecosystem that are not necessarily those included in the lists of conservation. 


To ascertain that detected changes from the ecosystem’s response are not part of natural processes 

extraneous to anthropogenic impacts, it becomes a requirement to have the aforementioned Control 

Areas available, thus a Before, After, Control, Impact (BACI) design will be applied. 

The basic concept of a BACI design is to have information available from the area where the impact will 

be recorded and from a control area completely isolated from the impact’s influence. Before and after 

impact records will be required for both areas. 

The comparison of the way that the control area and area affected after an impact evolve is the most 

efficient method to demonstrate the existence of an impact and quantify its effects. Based on this 

theoretical frame, points considered as “affected” given the proximity to the area of the proposed 

infrastructure area have been selected. At the same time, monitoring points considered as “control” have 

been proposed. 

It is worth mentioning that the final transect and point location will be adjusted in the field, depending of 

the need to intensify sampling activities due the area’s sensitivity, its geographical extension, diversity, 

and topography. Additionally, monitoring points will be implemented at the reservoirs. 

Transects A17, A19, A 25, A21, A31 and A8 have been selected for birds. Transects A25, A17 and A21 

were selected due to their proximity to the project’s surrounding areas to be intervened and correspond to 

“impact” stations, the same stations that will be compared with “control” stations A19, A31, and A8 

located in vegetation formations equivalent to the “impact” stations and far from project’s areas. It is 



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important to point out that coordinates are included as coordinates and the surrounding area will be 

evaluated deciding new coordinates for initial and final points in the field. 

Chart 6.2.3 

Bird monitoring stations (transects & points) 

Transect / point code Description Transect type Coordinate 

North East 

A6 Chailhuagon Lake Monitoring 9 230 826 789 976 

A17 Scrubland/grassland Impact 9 233 026 791 558 

A19 Grassland Control 9 233 084 793 601 

A25 Grassland Impact 9 237 138 787 823 



A21 Puyal/Grassland Impact 9 235 787 791 474 

RS Upper reservoir Monitoring 

RI Lower reservoir Monitoring 

RP Perol reservoir Monitoring 

RCH Chailhuagon reservoir Monitoring 

QL Lluspioc stream Monitoring 

Additionally, sampling points will be located at reservoirs to monitor aquatic bird presence. Data will be 

compared to the baseline data of lakes in proximity to each other. These points will be useful to also 

monitor the impact level that activities have on this type of birds in time. At the same time, count points 

will be implemented in mature scrublands and mountain forest relicts to evaluate the condition of 

protected species that make use of these areas. 

In the case of mammals, M1 and M15 were selected as “impact” transects. M3 and M8 were selected as 

“control” transects. Chart 6.2.4 includes reference locations for these monitoring stations. These points 

will be adjusted in the field depending of the need to intensify sampling activities based on the area’s 

sensitivity, geographical extension, diversity, and topography. Additionally, evaluation transects will be 

implemented for the investigation of the Thomasomys praetor mouse’s population, classified as 

endangered species, at three monitoring points. 

Chart 6.2.4 

Mammal monitoring stations 

Code Description Transect type Coordinate 

North East 

M1 Grassland Impact 9 237 122 787 776 

M15 Grassland Impact 9 233 496 795 930 

M3 Grassland Control 9 242 670 783 843 

M8 Grassland Control 9 231 878 784 718 

MR1 Grassland 

Thomasomys 

praetor research 

MR2 Grassland 

Thomasomys 

MR3 Grassland 


Thomasomys 




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In the specific case of reptiles and amphibians, a specific Environmental Monitoring Program must be 

developed before starting any activity within the area. This plan will define the locations of transects to be 

evaluated. 

SIAM sheets for these stations are included in Appendix 6.8. 


Methodology to be applied for the avifauna is the same used for the EIA’s baseline (Bibby et ál., 1992) for 

quantitative purposes, which includes the evaluation of transects using bird counting points. Each 

transect is divided into 10 sampling stations where a direct count will be performed. These stations will 

have a 200 m spacing. Amount of observed individuals will be counted at each sampling station for 

approximately 10 minutes (Salinas 2003, Salinas et ál. 2005, Salinas et ál. 2007). At the same time, a 

qualitative evaluation will be performed at selected areas to record the species’ abundance which will be 

compared with the baseline (Chapter 3). The equipment required for these studies is binoculars, 

determination guidelines, GPS, and field logs. 

In the case of small mammals, 3 transects with 20 two-trap stations will be implemented at each 

monitoring station. Traps will remain active for two days, checking daily content of same. Captured 

individuals will be measured, by species level, and released in the field. In the event of capturing 

individuals of the Thomasomys praetor species, individuals will be inserted a microchip for tracing 

purposes. 

In the case of large and mid-sized mammals, search will be supported with binoculars at impact and 

control points. Morphological and behavioral features will be considered for taxonomy purposes. 

Additionally, an exhaustive and detailed mammal trace observation will be performed including items 

such as feces, burrows, corpses, and trails. 

Finally, and whenever possible, discussions will be held with the local population about the presence of 

fauna, specifically about habits of found species, seasonality, frequency, relative abundance, etc. 


Monitoring frequency will be seasonal, during the dry and wet seasons. This monitoring effort will 

continue throughout the construction stage and during the first five years of the operation stage. After the 

five year period, monitoring efforts will be evaluated based on inter-annual efforts, diversity conditions, 

and species’ density. 

In the case of the avifauna and mammals, sensitivity will be used as criteria and results will be compared 

with the results obtained from the collected information in the project’s baseline. 


Monitoring results will be included in the project’s environmental database and internally reported to serve 

as the project’s environmental management tool. 

6.2.2.10.8 Specific plans 

6.2.2.10.8.1 Monitoring plan, Eleutherodactylus simonsii frog 

According to the baseline study’s results (Chapter 3), the aquatic frog would be inhabiting habitats that 

will be upset by the project. Due to this fact, a specific monitoring plan is required before starting any 

activity within the area. According to the baseline study, individuals have been recorded within 

grasslands of all evaluated areas. 

Objectives 

The monitoring plan will have the following main objectives: 

Evaluate the success of individual’s transfer. 



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Determine the population’s status within the project’s areas of influence as part of the management and 

investigation plan for this species. 

Parameters 

Parameters to be recorded are as follows: 

Abundance 

Density 

Age and sex distribution 

For each individual: external measurements and reproductive status 

Methodology 

Frog presence and abundance will be studied applying a visual search sampling methodology 

implementing 100 m transects. Monitoring points will be implemented in the field at areas where rescued 

individuals during land stripping activities will be relocated and at 3 points within areas of most abundance 

of this species. 2 search transects will be implemented at each point, searching under grasslands 

patches for individuals and eggs. 

Monitoring frequency 

To evaluate the success of individual transfer an intensive monitoring will be performed during the first 

three months, performing a monthly evaluation at transfer sites. The following monitoring will performed 

during the sixth month of individual transfer activities and follow-up monitoring will be performed every six 

months (wet and dry seasons). Monitoring at remaining points will be performed every six months, on 

during the dry season and one during the wet season. 

6.2.2.10.8.2 Monitoring plan, Cajamarca’s Thomasomys praetor, oldfield mouse 

According to the results obtained from the baseline study (Chapter 3), Cajamarca’s oldfield mouse is 

located in the Toromacho and Chailhuagon grasslands. This mouse will be directly affected by the loss of 

habitat. This species is included in the vulnerable category according to the domestic legislation, besides 

being endemic to the north of Peru. 

Objectives 

The monitoring plan will have as main objectives: 

Determine area population status in the surrounding areas of the project’s area of influence as part for 

the species management and research plan. 

Study the species sensitivity to generated impacts through a comparison of data obtained from control 

and impact areas, identifying changes. 

Preserve the species’ population and habitat within the project’s area and areas of influence and 

surrounding areas that may be used as habitat. 

Establish protection measures based on population and biological database. 

Parameters 

The following are parameters to be recorded: 

Abundance 

Density 

Population’s age and sex composition 

For each individual: external measurements and reproductive status 

Methodology 

3 transects of 20 stations with two live animal Sherman traps at each selected monitoring station, will be 

implemented. Traps will include baits and will remain active for two days. Trap content will be checked 



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and recorded daily, replacing bait if required. Captured individuals will be measured, inserted a tracing 

microchip, and released to the field. A database will be developed for captured individuals to track 

condition, growth, and movement patterns. 

Monitoring frequency 

Monitoring frequency will be seasonal, during the dry and wet season. This monitoring effort will remain 

during the complete construction stage and during the operation stage’s first three years. Since there 

isn’t baseline information available on this species’ abundance within the area, a pre-construction 

sampling will be performed to establish an impact and control point baseline. Its frequency can be 

modified based on results obtained during the first monitoring campaigns. 

6.2.2.11 Aquatic life 

6.2.2.11.1 Aspects 

The aquatic life monitoring plan will document changes that the media is going to experience at streams 

with a degree of influence from the project. At the same time, the Chailhuagon lake will be evaluated to 

detect changes as consequence of water level increments. Finally, reservoirs will be monitored to 

establish the new ecosystems’ habitat quality. Generated information from these monitoring activities will 

allow an evaluation and adjustment, if required, of implemented measures to mitigate impacts on the 

habitat’s quality and availability, mainly at evaluated streams. At the same time, tracking of the evolution 

of trout populations introduced in the Chailhuagon lake and Perol reservoir and fish present at the 

evaluated streams will be performed (catfish and trout). 


Monitoring of aquatic life will evaluate the habitat’s general quality, population of benthonic populations, 

and fish population. Parameters to be monitored: 

Habitat’s biophysical analysis (habitat quality). 

Physical-chemical parameters: pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature. 

Biological parameters: presence/absence of species, body length (mm), weight (g), and abundance (Nº 

fishes/effort unit). 

Invertebrate population parameters: diversity, abundance, dominance, and equity. 

Indexes: EPT, CA, EPT/CA, IBF, and BMWP. 

Metal content in water and sediment 

Xanthates in sediment 

Nutrients 

At the same time, a data correlation will be performed for data obtained from surface water quality 

monitoring activities with the results of aquatic life monitoring activities. 


The results from aquatic life monitoring activities will be compared with information collected during the 

project’s baseline study. 


Wherever possible, aquatic life monitoring stations will be located in the same place or nearby the water 

quality stations. Chart 6.2.5 includes location of monitoring stations (Figure 6.2.5). 

Chart 6.2.5 

Aquatic life monitoring stations 

Station code Description Coordinates 

North East 

RG-CHA1 Chailhuagon River 9 230 030 789 537 



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RH-CHI Chirimayo Stream 9 233 169 795 141 

RJ-RG1 Grande River 9 241 202 787 895 

SIAM sheets for these monitoring stations are included in Appendix 6.8. It must be pointed out that these 

stations’ final location will be adjusted in the field based on the need of intensifying sampling activities and 

ecosystem’s response to management measurements. 


Methodology to be applied for aquatic life monitoring purposes will be the same applied for the 

environmental baseline. Sampling of aquatic life will be performed along with water quality sampling in 

compliance with the criteria discussed in Section 6.1.5. 


It is advisable to start monitoring activities before the start of construction activities to have a wide 

database available that allows the application of efficient measures for the following years. Monitoring 

frequency will be seasonal, one during the dry season and one during the wet season. The reduction of 

sampling efforts will be evaluated based on data obtained after a few years of continuous sampling that 

will allow identifying population dynamic trends. 


Monitoring results will be included in the project’s environmental database and filed internally. 

6.3 6.3 Emergency Response and Contingency Plan 

This Emergency Response and Contingency Plan has been developed to have a proper response in the 

event of accidents and/or emergencies that may affect workers, the process, facilities, or the Conga 

project’s environmental surroundings. 

Contingency prevention, identification, and contingency response planning aims to preserve the integrity 

of workers and the environment, all within MYSRL’s business policy framework which is attached in 

Appendix 2.1 of this document. Additionally, it delivers proper preparation of a prompt and efficient 

response for potential emergencies that may arise from earthquakes, chemical spills, landslides, medical 

emergencies and/or vehicle accidents, among other. Hence, an integral plan that includes expert, 

motivated workers in charge of performing specific prevention management tasks and that ensures a 

prompt emergency response is required. 

MYSRL is committed to operate under the highest standards to protect the health and safety of workers, 

communities, and environment. For that purpose, the Conga project’s employees will maintain and 

update the Emergency Response and Contingency Plan in compliance with applicable laws and industrial 

standards that ensure a proper response in the least time possible. 

At the same time, in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations (D.S. N° 009-2005- 

TR), MYSRL will implement Internal Safety and Health Regulations and an Occupational Safety and 

Health Management System in which health and safety commitments with workers and methodology that 

ensures the continuous improvement of this items are established. 

Since this plan has been developed before the construction stage and start of the project, previous 

updates may be required before the start of operations and, if required, during operations. These future 

updates may include specific responsibilities, protocols, and contact information management based on 

conditions at the start of operations. 



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6.3.1 6.3.1 Objectives 

6.3.1.1 6.3.1.1 General objective 

This Emergency Response and Contingency Plan’s main objective is to protect the workers’ occupational 

health and safety and implement general guidelines for main prevention actions to prevent and properly 

face emergency instances at the Conga project’s facilities or surroundings. 

6.3.1.2 6.3.1.2 Specific objectives 

This plan’s specific objectives are: 

Identify critical areas and risk exposures for the environment and people. 

To prevent and properly respond when faced with any contingency (accident or emergency) that may 

endanger human lives, health and environment. 

To have a structured and planned organization available, with responsibilities assigned, to efficiently 

face an emergency and minimize health, safety, and environment impacts. 

Train staff of each area to promptly and orderly respond in the event of contingencies. 

Comply with emergency response legal requirements. 

6.3.2 6.3.2 Legal framework 

This Emergency Response and Contingency Response Plan was developed based on the regulation with 

most force, Law N° 28551, which states the obligation to develop and file contingency plans, and the 

Occupational Safety and Health Regulations issued by D.S. Nº 009-2005-TR and corresponding 

amendment (D.S. Nº 007-2007-TR). 

At the same time, the Mine Safety and Health Regulations, issued by D.S. N° 046-2001-EM and R.D. N° 

134-2000–EM/DGM, which establish guidelines to develop contingency plans for hazardous material 

management for mine-metallurgic operations, have been considered. Additionally, Allowable Limit Values 

(LMP, in Spanish) for Chemical Agents in the Work Environment, D.S. N ° 015-2005-SA and Law N ° 

28256, which regulates material and hazardous materials hauling activities, have also been considered. 

At the same time, article 29 of OSINERGMIN’s Energy and Mining Activity Supervision Regulations, 

approved by Resolution of the Advising Board N° 324-2007-OS-CD and article 9 of Law N° 28964, which, 

in both cases, establish that fatal accidents and safety, health, and/or environmental emergency 

situations must be communicated in writing by the mine’s representative to the OSINERGMIN within 24 

hours of the occurrence. At the same time, a fact expanded report must be delivered to the 

OSINERGMIN within ten workers days from the date of the occurrence. 

Finally, Law Nº 28551, which states the obligation of developing and filing contingency plans, defines the 

contingency plan and establishes obligations and procedures to develop and file this plan based on the 

National Disaster Prevention and Assistance Plan’s objectives, principles, and strategies. At the same 

time, it states that the contingency plan’s approval and supervision will be the responsibility of the Civil 

Defense National System (SINADECI, in Spanish) and its development will be based on the guidelines 

proposed by the Civil Defense National Institute (INDECI, in Spanish), with prior favorable opinion of 

corresponding sectors. 

6.3.3 6.3.3 Definitions 

Based on the Contingency Plan Development Framework Guidelines (INDECI, 2005) and the Industry’s 

Emergency Response Plan Guidelines (Ministry of Environment, British Columbia, 2002) the following 

definitions for the Project Conga’s Emergency Response and Contingency Plan have been established: 

Accident: Unexpected event that results in damage or harm to people and/or damage to property or 

environment. 

Hazardous materials: Substances included in the National Hazardous Material and Substance Hauling 

Regulations (D.S. Nº 021-2008-MTC) and substances regulated by the mine-metallurgy activity 

contingency plan development guidelines (R.D. Nº 134-2000-EM/DGM). Hazardous materials including 



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explosives, gasses, flammable liquids, combustible substances and organic peroxide, toxic and 

infectious substances, radioactive materials, corrosive substances, among other. 

Emergency: An emergency involves the release or imminent release of substances that may have an 

adverse impact on the health and/or safety of people and the environment. An emergency may be 

caused by people or natural cause, for instance: equipment failure, uncontrolled reactions, fires, 

explosions, hazards and threats, structural failures, earthquakes, electrical storms, among others. 

Emergency response (Contingency Plan): Management tool to control or reduce potential impacts from 

an emergency. Set of specific pre-established operational procedures to protect human life, reduce 

damages, optimize losses and reduce asset and environmental accident exposures. 

Hazardous event: Event with the potential of harming people, damaging property, or a combination of 

them. 

Risk: Mathematical estimation or evaluation of the loss probability of lives, asset, property, and 

economical damages for a specific period and area familiar with a specific emergency event. 

Evaluation based on hazard and consequence. 

Consequence: Quantification of possible damages caused by an event. 

Spill: Unauthorized release or discharge of a hazardous substance into the environment. 

Appendix 6.1 includes the Conga project’s Glossary of Terms, Emergency Response and Contingency 

Plan. 

6.3.4 6.3.4 Identification of potential risks 

The Emergency Response and Contingency Plan defines critical areas as those areas that have the 

highest risk of being sabotaged or those areas where accidents may cause damages to the surrounding 

communities and to the safety of the environment, workers, or facilities. Those risks that cannot be 

eliminated due to the nature of mining operations; however, their likelihood and consequences may be 

minimized by planning operations. 

Based on this definition, the following risk areas or response areas have been identified for the Conga 

project. 




Explosive storage area 

Project’s area in general 


Potential emergencies at identified risk areas and their corresponding risk evaluations are discussed next. 

Likewise, it is worth mentioning that MYSRL, through its continuous improvement policies, is committed to 

reevaluate this plan to identify potential emergencies due to their operation and construction activities not 

considered in this Emergency Response and Contingency Plan and document detailed procedures to 

treat each type of emergency. 

6.3.4.1 6.3.4.1 Tailings transportation 

6.3.4.1.1 Tailings piping transportation system failure 

Potential spills from the tailings piping transportation system from cracks due to unforeseen events or due 

to deficient piping maintenance. A maintenance plan to perform regular inspection of piping system and 

immediately solve any system failure will be implemented. 

Likewise, it is worth mentioning that in the event of tailings spills the removal of tailings and cleanup 

activities are expected to be efficient due to fine content in tailings (62percent). 



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6.3.4.2 6.3.4.2 Tailings storage facility 

6.3.4.2.1 Tailings dam failures 

Based on the Tailings Damn Stability Analysis (Appendix 4.13) a minimum failure safety factor of 1.0 was 

assigned for pseudo static test analysis purposes. For the main dam and the Toromacho dam safety 

factors exceed the minimum pseudo static analysis safety factors (1.11 and 1.08, respectively). Results 

indicate that configurations will remain stable under pseudo static conditions. 

6.3.4.3 6.3.4.3 Water management facilities 

6.3.4.3.1 Reservoir damn failure analysis 

Potential risks associated to water reservoirs that will be built for the Conga project are related to damn 

stability issues. Similar as the tailings’ main and Toromacho dams, the results of the pseudo static 

analysis for the Upper and Lower reservoir damns (Appendix 4.5) show safety evaluation factors equal to 

or in excess of the pseudo static analysis’ minimum safety factors (1.75 and 1.0, respectively). 

Considering their location, a stability analysis was completed based on the dam deformation stability 

estimated for the Perol and Chailhuagon reservoir dams (Appendix 6.2 and Appendix 6.3). The analysis 

recorded deformations of 4 to 15 cm for the Chailhuagon reservoir, which are considered acceptable for 

seismic loads of 0.22g, acceleration is quite close to a M = 8 maximum credible earthquake magnitude. 

In the case of the Perol reservoir, recorded dam deformations for a seismic load of 0.34 were below 10 

cm, which is considered acceptable for this type of structure. 

These results show that configurations will remain stable under pseudo static conditions; hence, the 

probability of a reservoir dam failure is considered of very low occurrence. 

6.3.4.4 6.3.4.4 Explosives storage area 

6.3.4.4.1 Explosions 

The occurrence of unplanned explosions at the explosives storage area has also been considered. The 

probability of occurrence of unplanned explosions is very low due to measures to be implemented, 

including storage of detonators and explosive caps in separate areas and ANFO mixture performed only 

when required. 

6.3.4.5 6.3.4.5 Project’s general area 

Next risks that can be generated within the project’s complete area that due to their nature are not 

reduced to a specific area are described. 

6.3.4.5.1 Chemical and fuel spills 

Chemical spills in the form of fuel, oil, reagents, among other, during the development of operations 

constitute one of the most common accidents in mine sites and, consequently, show a high probability of 

occurrence. Spills can be the result of human error or equipment failure in fuel distribution and waste 

management facilities, or chemical storage areas. The nature of spilled chemical and the location where 

the incident takes place will determine the emergency level and posterior response. Hazardous 

substance spills may result in impacts on soils, and surface and groundwater bodies due to the spill’s 

extension. 

Likewise, it is worth mentioning that engineering controls have been included as part of engineering 

controls to reduce spill risks that may have an impact on the environment. 

6.3.4.5.2 Fires 

Fires may cause significant damages and generate emergency situations. Electrical fire risks resulting 

from human error or equipment failure are considered as portion of this plan. 

6.3.4.5.3 Work accidents 

Work accidents have a high probability of occurrence due to the hazardous nature of the operation’s 

activities and the risk of equipment failure or human error. Hence, MYSRL will ensure the implementation 



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of pertinent controls to minimize the probability of accidents through training sessions, thus creating 

policies and procedures for all aspects involving the work environment. Consequences of injuries will be 

reduced by delivering to workers the corresponding Personal Protection Equipment (EPP, in Spanish) for 

the type of work. The project’s medical facilities will be equipped to deal with most of accidents and more 

severe cases will be referred to medical centers in Celedin or Cajamarca. 

6.3.4.5.4 Lightning impacts 

The weather of the project’s area is prone to electrical activity, mainly during the wet season, and 

lightning strikes are relatively common in the area. However, procedures will be implemented to limit the 

risk of lightning strikes on people; hence, the probability of lightning strike resulting in a medical 

emergency is low. 

6.3.4.6 6.3.4.6 Ancillary facilities – Project’s maintenance, internal and access roads infrastructure 

6.3.4.6.1 Spills while hauling 

Products and consumables hauled to and from the project by land during the construction and operation 

stages will use the following route: 

Portion 1: From the Conga project’s area to the Totorococha lake. 

Portion 2: From the Totorococha lake to Maqui Maqui, east boundary of MYSRL’s operations 

(Yanacocha complex). 

Portion 3: From Maqui Maqui to MYSRL’s administrative offices at kilometer 24. 

Portion 4: From kilometer 24 to the new Kunturwasi road, towards Chilete. 

Portion 5: From Chilete towards Ciudad de Dios, at kilometer 683 of the North Pan-American Highway. 

The probability of chemical, raw material, or concentrate spills during hauling activities is high given the 

fact that the North Pan-American Highway is a main road with heavy traffic load. Additionally, trucks will 

circulate through unpaved roads that pass through towns and cities. This increases the potential risk of 

an accident with a significant impact on the environment due to the area and distances to be covered. 

It is important to consider that measures to ensure contracting of certified product and consumable 

hauling companies with established emergency response policies will have to be implemented. Likewise, 

the project will include standard spill response operation procedures for spills on internal hauling roads 

(access roads). 

6.3.4.6.2 Vehicle accidents 

During the construction stage people, materials, and supplies will be transported to the project’s location 

using the aforementioned five access portions. It is estimated that for the 42-month construction period, 

approximately 38,805 trips will be required per year. 

Likewise, consumables and materials will be hauled to the mine and copper and gold concentrate will be 

hauled from the mine during the project’s operation stage. It is estimated that during the operation period 

approximately 21,900 trips will be required per year. 

Consequently, the probability of an accident between vehicles or between vehicles and pedestrians is 

high. Traffic guidelines will be implemented for all MYSRL, contractor, and supplier vehicles to limit the 

amount of accidents. 

6.3.4.6.3 Fauna incidents 

During the construction and operation stages there will be a high vehicular flow due to material, 

consumable, and concentrate hauling activities and the probability of running flora over is high. To 

reduce fauna traffic incidents vehicle speed will be controlled in compliance with MYSRL’s internal safety 

regulations. If an incident or accident of this kind takes place, it must be immediately reported to External 

Affairs so they can provide assistance with the event. 



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6.3.5 Emergency response system 

As pointed out, an emergency is a damage caused by the occurrence of an unplanned hazardous event 

that requires an urgent response that may result in a negative impact on the environment, people health, 

or safety. 

The response team has been organized in this plan to coordinate human, logistical, and technological 

resources mobilization to the emergency area. 

6.3.5.1 Response team organization 

The response team will be in charge of coordinating with the different brigades those actions that will be 

taken before, during, and after an emergency. The team will have available every communication 

systems and facilities to control the emergency and perform these tasks. Chart 6.3.1 includes the 

members of the Response team who were selected in compliance with current law (Mine Safety and 

Health Regulations). 

Chart 6.3.1 

Members of response team 

Position in Response Team Position in Conga project 

Emergency Response Team Leader 

Director of Operations (Area’s Response 

Team Leader) 

General Manager or Organizational 

Development Manager, External Affairs 

Manager, Operations or Administration 

high ranking Manager, H.R. Manager. 

Highest ranking person until Emergency 

Response Team Leader arrives 

Incident Commander Highest ranking manager at the scene 

Emergency response coordinator 

Loss prevention specialist 

Emergency response technician at the 

scene 

Loss prevention specialist from the area 

where event takes place 

Next is included a flowchart for emergency events and how it interacts with competent authorities when 

faced with an event. 

Responsibilities of Response Team members 

This section outlines responsibilities of each Response Team member: 

Emergency Response Team Leader: 

The Emergency Response Team Leader’s role will be to manage an emergency to ensure proper 

resources and communications. He/she is also responsible of ensuring communications and external 

coordination. 

Director of Operations (Area’s Response Team Leader) 

The Director of Operations will consult with the Area’s Response Team about the progress and status of 

emergency. The Director of Operation’s responsibilities will be: 

He/she will act as member of the Area’s Response Team and may ask reports from Safety’s Control 

Center in the event of a severe emergency. 



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He/she will stay in communication with the company’s officers to report the emergency’s nature and 

magnitude, as applicable. 

He/she will make sure that the Incident Commander has enough resources available to fight/control the 

emergency. 

Incident Commander 

The incident commander will be the highest ranking manager present in the area, and it may include 

supervisors, superintendents, area managers, and/or directors. Independent of who takes over the 

Incident Commander role, each supervisor, general foreman, superintendent, among others, will be 

responsible for the safety of their staff during the emergency. 

The Incident Commander’s responsibilities will be: 

He/she will lead all activities at the place of the emergency and will perform a final evaluation. This 

position’s responsibility will include the procurement and deployment of resources, notify the Area’s 

Response Team Leader, as applicable, the needs for the emergency response and interrupt operations 

near the emergency. 

He/she will contact the Emergency Response Team Leader and will stay in close communication with 

him/her. 

He/she will have a communications device available (cellular phone, messenger, etc.) to stay in touch 

with the Emergency Response Team Leader. 

Check that all people that have an interest in the matter are notified. 

The Emergency Team Leader may also take over the Incident Commander role. 

Emergency Response Coordinator 

He/she will lead field responses, managing available resources delivered by the Incident Commander. 

He/she will plan and develop responses for an effective field response. 

He/she will stay in effective and constant communication with the Incident Commander, reporting the 

emergency’s evolution. 

He/she will manager field responses and will request the necessary means to effectively perform tasks. 

Loss Prevention Specialist 

He/she will liaise with the Response Team and will be in charge of coordinating the assistance from 

external organizations, if required; likewise, he/she will issue warnings and communicate required 

information. 

Response Team’s support staff 

Response Team’s response staff and specific roles are described next: 

Area Manager 

He/she will direct a person to go to a visible area and guide emergency vehicles to the emergency’s 

area. 

He/she will avoid major losses by dividing the area into section and/or evacuating any unnecessary 

staff. 

If required, he/she will order an orderly and safe evacuation of the staff. 

During an evacuation, supervisors will be responsible of making sure that their areas are free of 

workers. This will be achieved using a “Guardian” system through which a person will be directed to be 

the last person to leave the area and check that everybody has abandoned the area, disconnect 

electricity, equipment, etc. 

Another method to check that an area is clear will be a head count at the meeting area. Supervisors will 

report to their immediate manager and communicate any latest information about the staff, including 

missing people and/or people that normally work in other areas. 



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The Area Manager will be responsible of checking that all areas are clear. Among the staff that must be 

included in the head count is employees, contractors, delivery staff, temporary employees, and visitors 

under his/her supervision. 

Senior employees of each point will communicate among each other to determine the location of 

missing people. 

If it is assumed that missing staff is inside the facility being evacuated, a senior employee at the meeting 

area will immediately get in touch with the Response Team Leader or Incident Commander. The 

Response Team will perform a search and rescue operation. 

He/she will make sure that disconnection procedures for his area have been completed. 

He/she will control employees at the meeting area until he/she is informed if they must return to their 

work areas or proceed with the evacuation of the area. 

Internal safety 

Safeguard and protect the accident’s area as directed by the Loss Prevention Department. 

Control unauthorized crowd and staff. 

Ensure that the staff does not return to the building until approved by the Incident Commander. 

Safety Control Center 

The Safety Control Center will provide services 24 hours a day and will answer incoming emergency 

assistance calls. 

Will dispatch Safety Personnel and notify corresponding emergency services. 

Will keep a communication link between the Emergency Response Team, Incident Commander, and 

external emergency assistance calls until the emergency is controlled or the Area Response Team 

takes over the communications system. 

Will make the calls directed by the Incident Commander. 

Route all information requests to the Manager stated in the communications chart. 

Will keep a record of calls and actions taken as the result of those calls. 

6.3.5.2 Emergency brigade organization 

The emergency brigade responding to the emergency must develop and activate this plan, including as 

preparation and anticipation of these events. 

The brigade’s preparation and actual event activities will be under the orders of the Superintendent of 

Emergency Responses. The members of the brigade will be constantly trained on proper procedures to: 

Respond to emergencies or accidents involving fire or explosions. 

Respond to emergencies or accidents involving injuries or fatalities. 

Implement emergency response procedures (Action Plan). 

Control and mitigate spills. 

Assist during evacuation procedures in an event of a natural emergency such as landslides or 

earthquakes. 

Events that the Emergency Brigade has to be prepared for are described next. 

Emergencies or accidents involving fire or explosion 

The team will be formed by workers who will be fully prepared on firefighting different types of fires. The 

head of the team will be the Superintendent of Safety who will be trained on firefighting. 

Team members will be familiarized with the location of each firefighting unit and each person will be 

assigned a specific task. The team’s efficiency will depend of the promptness and skill of each one of its 

members before an emergency. 

Table 6.3.1 includes the team’s role before, during, and after the emergency. 



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Emergency or accident requiring evacuation, search and rescue 

For these types of events, the team will be commanded by the Conga project’s Superintendent of Safety 

and he/she will have a wide knowledge of evacuation routes and safety areas closest to surface facilities. 

At least one expert in heavy machinery, one expert in maintenance, and one expert in communications 

and IT will be members of the team. 

Table 6.3.2 includes evacuation, search and rescue, before, during, and post emergency team roles. 

Emergencies or accidents requiring chemical protection (HAZMAT) 

As with the previous cases, the team will be under the orders of the Superintendent of Safety. The team 

will be formed by workers duly trained in emergencies involving toxic or hazardous substances. 

The team will be divided into the following response and mitigation teams: 

First line response team: first group to arrive to the scene of the event, in charge of isolating the 

hazardous area and prevent unauthorized people and/or people without proper personal protection 

equipment from entering the area. 

Second response or offensive operations team: in charge of evacuating potentially injured people and 

control spill or fire. This staff will enter the area with the proper protection equipment and with prior 

approval from the decontamination team. 

Decontamination team: as the name states, this team will be in charge of decontaminating the wounded 

and the offensive response team each time they leave the contaminated area to avoid contamination 

propagation. 

Mitigation team: once the emergency is controlled the mitigation team’s staff will proceed with cleaning 

activities, neutralizing spilled substance for posterior elimination or recovery. The team will coordinate 

with the Health and Safety Management Department the most adequate and quickest mitigation actions 

for negative impacts on the ecosystem. 

Table 6.3.3 includes professional competencies for workers involved in hazardous material management 

activities and brigade members. 

Emergencies or accidents requiring first aids 

The team will be under the orders of the Superintendent of Emergency Response. Team members will 

be trained on firs aids and their roles are included in Table 6.3.4. 

6.3.6 Emergency evaluation 

MYSRL has established a response system and communications procedure that varies based on the 

emergency’s magnitude. For that purposes, three status levels have been defined: 

Level 1 “Low”: A “Low Level” emergency is an emergency within the site or outside the location that can 

be locally controlled by the staff of the area affected. 

Level 2 “Medium”: A “Medium Level” emergency is an emergency that cannot be managed by the 

affected area’s staff, requiring the intervention of the Emergency Response Team. It does not exceed 

MYSRL’s resources. 

Level 3 “High”: A “High Level” emergency is an emergency that exceeds the emergency area’s 

available resources requiring the assistance of external help, such as the government, industry and/or 

external companies’ brigades. The highest severity classification with a specific risk factor determines 

the emergency’s overall severity classification. 

There is a sequence of steps that, if possible, should maintain the emergency managed. This sequence 

will be followed to achieve an efficient intervention. This sequence is the following: 

Initial evaluation 



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Emergency stabilization 

Main evaluation 

6.3.6.1 Initial evaluation 

Since initial decisions must be made with very limited information it is critical to obtain information from 

direct sources and confidentially. 

The main objective of this stage is to determine if any action is immediately required or if people, the 

environment, or any productive systems are under threat. 

6.3.6.2 Stabilization of an emergency 

During this stage the objective is to contain the emergency to stabilize the situation and avoid its 

deterioration. If this stage is completed successfully time required to think and make the best decision 

will be available. 

Contention activities’ objective will be to obtain or maintain control of the emergency and emergency 

information to increase the project and staff’s safety level. 

6.3.6.3 Main evaluation 

The intention of this stage is to identify the situation affecting the project during or after an emergency and 

its short, medium, and long term consequences. 

This main evaluation will assist with planning and reducing potential damages resulting from the 

situation’s escalation. 

6.3.7 Response procedures 

This section establishes response procedures for previously identified emergencies (Section 6.3.4). It is 

worth mentioning that every accident and emergency that may take place during the construction and 

operation stages will be investigated and reported in compliance with this Emergency Response and 

Contingency Plan. 

6.3.7.1 General procedures 

Evacuation 

Earthquakes 

6.3.7.2 Specific procedures 

Tailing transportation piping system failure 

Tailings dam failure 

Perol, Chailhuagon, Upper and Lower reservoir damn failure 

Unplanned explosions 

Hazardous materials and chemical spills 

Fires 

Work accidents 

Lightning strikes 

Hauling spills 

Hauling spills (on site) 

Hauling spills (external) 

Vehicular accidents (light and heavy equipment). 

Fauna being ran over 

Archeological remain 



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Response procedures will be periodically checked and amended to ensure their effectiveness. 

Additionally, and after each accident, an investigation of the main cause will be performed and 

procedures will be evaluated and amended if required for the continuous improvement of responses. 

6.3.7.3 General procedures 

6.3.7.3.1 Evacuation 

In the event of an emergency that requires the area’s evacuation, an evacuation alarm will be sounded in 

the area and all employees will go to pre-established meeting areas in an orderly manner. Specific 

guidelines for each evacuation case will be included in the Emergency Response and Contingency Plan 

and it will be updated before the construction stage starts. 

The person in charge of response activities will be the Emergency Response Leader and supervisors will 

be in charge of the staff. The Conga project’s Incident Commander will be in charge of the evacuation 

and will have a wide knowledge of evacuation routes and safety areas closest to surface facilities. 

Likewise, MYSRL is committed to perform annual evacuation drills to ensure that the staff is familiarized 

with procedures. 

6.3.7.3.2 Earthquakes 

The project’s facilities have been designed under pseudo static conditions and meet or exceed the design 

safety factors. However, immediately after an earthquake event, the Water Management Manager, the 

Superintendent of Civil Constructions or the Senior Geotechnician must inspect the mine’s facilities to 

identify those points that may have suffered damage, and the damage’s extension and level. Special 

attention must be paid to the following areas: 

Tailings piping transportation system 

Tailings dam 

Perol, Chailhuagon, Upper and Lower reservoir dams. 

Fuel, chemical, and hazardous storage 

If significant damage is detected, damage must be notified to the Geotechnical Area and the Safety 

Control Center. 

6.3.7.4 Specific procedures 

6.3.7.4.1 Tailings piping transportation system failure 

Any joint fissure, perforation, seepage or other breakage within the tailings piping transportation system 

between the concentrator plant and the tailings storage facilty may cause a spill at the receiving end. 

Tailings piping transportation system fissures located within the tailings storage facility’s structure will 

remain in the deposit. In the event that the tear happens outside the tailings storage facility, the following 

actions will be taken: 

a. The person witnessing the accident must notify the Area Response Team Leader who will notify the 

accident to the Incident Commander. 

b. The Incident Commander, based on a preliminary evaluation, will establish the incident’s level of 

emergency (Section 6.3.6) and will decide if a notification to the Response Team Leader is required. 

c. The Incident Commander or Response Leader, as applicable, will notify the Environment Manager, 

Operations Manager, Process Manager, and Loss Prevention Manager to determine the team of 

people required to control the accident, which will depend of the main cause that provoked the piping 

leak. This team will have available: 

i. Proper Personal Protection Equipment (EPP) 

ii. Shovels or earthworks equipment, in the event of large spills 

iii. Monitoring equipment (sampling container, flasks, etc.) 



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Chart 6.3.2 includes specific actions to be taken. 

Chart 6.3.2 

Response guidelines – Tailings piping transportation system failure 

Action Responsible 

1 Notify Area Response Team Leader Worker/witness 

2 Notify Incident Commander Area Response Team Leader 

3 

Notify concentrator plant to interrupt tailings 

transportation and Safety Control Center 


Notify Emergency Response Team Leader, Safety Control Center 

4 

Environment Manager, Operations Manager, 

Loss Prevention Manager and Process 

Manager 

5 Interrupt tailings transportation Incident Commander 

6 

Isolate tailings line damaged area using shutoff 

valves 


Build a dirt contention to restrict spills to the Emergency Brigade (Chemical 

7 smallest area as possible and avoid material Protection - HAZMAT) and Loss 

invading water stream. 

Prevention Manager 

8 

Repair piping to resume tailings transportation Process Manager and 

Operations Manager 

9 

Arrange removal of spilled material and soil 

affected by tailings storage facility 

Environment Manager 

10 

Start an investigation to determine accident’s 

main cause 

Area Response Team Leader 

Implement required measures to avoid an Environment Manager, 

11 accident recurrence 

Operations Manager, Process 

and Loss Prevention Manager 

12 

Document accident and corrective actions 

taken 


6.3.7.4.2 Tailings damn failure 

According to the Damn Stability Analysis associated to Tailings Disposal (Appendix 4.5), the safety 

evaluation factors for the main damn and Toromacho dam exceed the minimum safety factors for a 

pseudo static analysis. The results indicate that configurations will remain stable under pseudo static 

conditions. However, despite a low probability of occurrence of dam failure, the following response 

protocol is presented: 

a. Person witnessing the accident must notify the Dam Operator. 

b. The Dam Operator must notify the accident to the Safety Control Center, the Area Response Team 

Leader, and communities that may be affected. 

c. The Safety Control Center will notify the following areas: 

Superintendence of Emergency Response 

Loss Prevention Manager 

Civil Defense, if required 

National Police of Peru, if required 



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Environment guardian specialist 

Chief of Community Relations 

d. The Superintendent of Loss Prevention will activate the operation’s quick response team. 

e. The Incident Commander will notify the area engineer assigned to respond to this type of emergency. 

Both will determine the best short term corrective actions. Likewise, the engineer will evaluate long 

term solutions for the corresponding situation. 

f. The team of people required during the accident will depend of the main cause that provoked the 

failure and it will be determined by the Area Response Team Leader. This team will include as 

minimum: 


ii. Shovels or earthworks equipment, in the event of mayor spills 

iii. Monitoring equipment (sample container, flasks, etc.) 

Chart 6.3.3 describes the specific actions to be taken. 

Chart 6.3.3 

Response guidelines – Tailing dam failure 


1 Notify Safety Control Center Worker/witness/Damn operator 

2 Notify Area Response Team Leader Worker/witness/Damn operator 

3 Notify Incident Commander Area Response Team Leader 

4 

Notify concentrator plant to interrupt tailings 


Area Response Team Leader 

5 

Notify Environment Manager, Operations Manager, Loss 

Prevention Manager, and Process Manager 


6 Interrupt tailings storage Incident Commander 

7 

Evacuate people at risk. Implement rescue procedure to Emergency Brigade (Evacuation, 

8 

locate and provide assistance to affected people 

Stop any posterior spill installing a dirt barrier at the 

stream if the retro excavator and operator can perform 

the task safely 

Search and Rescue) 

Emergency Brigade (Chemical 

Protection - HAZMAT) and Incident 

Commander 

9 Determine long term corrective actions Area Response Team Leader 

10 Document accident and corrective actions taken Area Response Team Leader 

6.3.7.4.3 Reservoir damn failure 

The reservoir dam pseudo static analysis results (Appendix 4.5 and 6.3) show safety evaluation indicators 

equal or higher than the minimum safety factors for the pseudo static analysis. These results show that 

configurations will remain stable under pseudo static conditions; hence, it is considered that the Perol, 

Chailhuagon, Upper and Lower reservoir dam failure has a very low probability of occurrence. However, 

despite a low probability of occurrence the following response protocol is proposed: 

a. Person witnessing the accident must notify the Dam Operator. 

b. Dam Operator must notify the Safety Control Center, Area Response Team Leader and communities 

that may be affected. 

c. The Safety Control Center will inform the following areas: 

Superintendence of Emergency Response 

Loss Prevention Manager 

Civil Defense, if required 

National Police of Peru, if required 

Environment guardian specialist 

Chief of Community Relations 



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d. The Superintendent of Loss Prevention will activate the operation’s quick response team. 

e. The Incident Commander will notify the area engineer assigned to respond to this type of emergency. 

Both will determine the best short term corrective actions. Likewise, the engineer will evaluate long 

term solutions for the corresponding situation. 

f. The team of people required during the accident will depend of the main cause that provoked the 

failure and it will be determined by the Area Response Team Leader. This team will include as 

minimum: 


ii. Shovels or earthworks equipment, in the event of mayor spills 

iii. Monitoring equipment (sample container, flasks, etc.) 

Chart 6.3.4 describes specific actions to be taken. 

1 

2 

3 

4 

6 

7 

8 

9 

Chart 6.3.4 

Response guidelines – Reservoir dam failure 


Notify Safety Control Center Worker/witness/Damn 

operator 

Notify Area Response Team Leader Worker/witness/Damn 

operator 

Notify Incident Commander Area Response Team 

Leader 

Notify Environment Manager, Operations Safety Control Center 

Manager, Loss Prevention Manager, and 

Process Manager 

Evacuate people at risk. Implement rescue Emergency Brigade 

procedure to locate and provide assistance to (Evacuation, Search and 

affected people 

Rescue) 

Stop any posterior spill installing a dirt barrier at Area Response Team 

the stream if he retro excavator and operator can Leader 

perform the task safely 

Determine long term corrective actions Environment Manager and 

Health and Safety Manager 

Document accident and corrective actions taken Area Response Team 

Leader 

6.3.7.4.4 Unplanned explosions 

Measures to control unplanned explosions have been considered by the facilities’ design; however, in the 

event of this type of incident the following response is presented: 

a. Person witnessing accident must notify Area Response Team Leader and Safety Control Center. 

b. The Area Response Leader will notify the Incident Commander, Mine Operations Manager, 

Superintendent of Drilling and Blasting, Superintendent of Production, Loss Prevention Manager, and 

Chief of Drilling and Blasting. 

c. The Incident Commander will perform an initial evaluation and coordinate emergency response. 



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d. The Emergency Response Leader and Team will immediately respond to any notification from the 

Safety Control Center and will liaise with the Incident Commander to assess the scope of the issue, 

secure the area, and formulate an action plan. 

e. Minimum equipment required at the event area: 


ii. First aid kit 

iii. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) 

iv. Fire extinguishers 

v. Fire retardant chemicals 

6.3.7.4.5 Hazardous material and chemical spills 

The following procedures will be implemented in the event of a chemical spill within the project’s area: 

a. Person witnessing the accident will notify the Area Response Team Leader, Incident Commander, 

and Safety Control Center. 

b. The Area Response Team Leader will immediately notify the environment representative on service 

and will try to identify the type of substance if it does not present a risk; in the event of people at risk, 

the area will be evacuated. If there is the risk of fire, explosion, or environmental hazard, he/she will 

check that the response teams have been notified. 

c. The Incident Commander must manage the overall response along with the environmental 

representative; if the spill must be reported, he/she will get in touch with the pertinent authorities. 

d. The incident Commander must notify the issue to the Area Response Team and Internal Safety staff 

to control the affected area. 

e. The environmental representative must go to the spill site, try to identify the spilled substance, 

evaluate the situation if possible, and evaluate the response team efforts that will be required. 

f. The Loss Prevention area will coordinate the efforts of the Emergency Response area, will be the link 

between the emergency response team and other areas, and will support with the identification of 

hazards and risks. 


Chart 6.3.5 

Response guidelines – Hazardous material and chemical spills 


1 

If at all possible, stop spill at the source and 

deactivate all ignition sources 

Worker/witness 

2 

Determine accident nature and if anybody is 

injured, start first aid procedures if possible 


3 

Notify Safety Control Center and Area Response 

Team Leader 


4 

Notify Incident Commander Area Response Team 

Leader 

Notify Emergency Brigade (Chemical Protection Incident Commander 

5 teams (HAZMAT), Firefighting, and First Aids), en 

in the event aid is required for injured people 

6 

Evacuate area (if required) Area Response Team 

Leader 

7 Install “no smoking” and “no open flame” signs in Superintendent of Safety 



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the area. 

8 Limit spill to the smallest area possible Superintendent of Safety 

9 If possible, avoid spill affecting any water stream Superintendent of Safety 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

Arrange removal of affected soil and its 

Superintendent of Safety 

replacement with clean soil or its rehabilitation 

Implement a soil monitoring program to follow up Environmental Manager 

improvements until site’s rehabilitation is 

achieved. 

Start investigation process to determine main President of Response 

cause of accident 

Team 

Implement required measures to avoid an Environmental Manager 

accident recurrence 

and Loss Prevention 

Manager 

Document incident and corrective actions taken President of Response 

Team 

6.3.7.4.6 Fires 

Every mine infrastructure will be connected to the firefighting water distribution system and will have fire 

extinguishers installed at key points. Fire alarms will be installed and each alarm system will be 

connected to a central alarm. Appendix 6.4 includes signage and firefighting equipment inspections. 

In the event of a fire at one of the mine’s buildings, the following actions must be started: 

a. Person witnessing the accident will sound the alarm and inform supervisor and staff in surrounding 

areas. If the fire is small and the person is trained on the use of fire extinguishers, he/she will try to 

extinguish the fire and then notify the Safety Control Center; otherwise, he/she will notify the Safety 

Control Center directly. 

b. Supervisor will ensure that the area has been evacuated. People affected at offices and camps will 

gather at meeting areas. The first person arriving to the meeting area will start a head count and 

report the information to the supervisor if anybody is missing. 

c. Safety Control Center will notify the event to the Emergency Response Team and supply additional 

information. He/she will also notify Risk Prevention, Internal Safety, and managers and will provide 

additional support to the Response Team. 

d. Incident Commander will assess the fire’s severity; if required, he/she will call an additional Response 

Team and inform the Internal Safety staff, Manager and Loss Prevention. 

e. The team must have the following minimum equipment: 

I. Proper Personal Protection Equipment (EPP) 

II. Sand buckets 

III. Fire extinguishers 

IV. Firefighting water system 

V. Fire retardant chemicals 


Chart 6.3.6 

Action guidelines in the event of a general fire 



6-75


1 Notify supervisor Worker/witness 

2 

If fire is small and person is trained on the use of fire 

extinguishers, he/she will try to extinguish the fire 


3 

Notify Safety Control Center and Area Response Team 

Leader 


4 

Notify Emergency Response Team Leader, Loss 

Prevention, Internal Safety, and managers 


5 

Perform initial evaluation of fire’s severity based on which 

support need will be established 


6 

If required, provide additional support to the Emergency 

Response Team 


7 

Evacuate people in the surrounding areas and that may be 

at risk 

Area Supervisor / Emergency 

Response Team Leader 

8 Remove equipment under risk of being destroyed Area Response Team Leader 

9 

After the fire, evaluate structural integrity of buildings 

involved in the incident 

Operations Manager or Process 

Manager 

10 

Investigate accident’s main cause Emergency Response Team 

Leader 

11 Take required actions to avoid an incident recurrence Loss Prevention Manager 

12 Document incident and corrective actions taken Incident Commander 

6.3.7.4.7 Work accidents 

Similar to vehicular accidents, work accident response actions are related to the appropriate delivery of 

first aids to the incident’s area and first aids will be provided in accordance with the type of emergency. 

The Emergency Response Team Leader (First Aids) will be the responsible party to determine the 

response protocol. Vehicle accident emergency communication protocol is as follows: 

a. The person witnessing the accident must notify the Safety Control Center and Emergency Response 

Team Leader. 

b. The Emergency Response Team Leader will notify the brigade’s members, specifically the First Aids 

team. 

c. The Safety Control Center will notify the Health and Safety Manager. 

A medical unit will be built as part of the Conga project and it will be equipped to provide first aid 

assistance for minor injuries and medical emergencies. In the event that the Emergency Response Team 

Leader decides that medical emergencies cannot be treated in the project’s medical center, the patient 

will be transferred in ambulance to an equipped hospital in the district of Celedin or in the city of 

Cajamarca, depending on the accident’s severity. 

6.3.7.4.8 Lightning strike 

MYSRL will have reliable weather forecast information on a daily basis to schedule works outdoors and 

avoid exposures to lightning strikes. Likewise, the company will take into account the following 

considerations to develop an Electrical Storm Safety Plan: 

Staff working outdoors will always have a shelter available in case of electrical storms (enclosed areas). 

Staff working outdoors outside the range of influence of the project’s storm detectors will have portable 

electrical storm detectors available. Likewise, the “30-30 Rule” will be applied to determine the proper 

instance to seek shelter. The “30-30 Rule” consists of counting the time from when lightning is seen 

until thunder is heard. If that time is 30 seconds or less, people must immediately seek the nearest 

shelter. After the electrical storm is over there is a 30 minute waiting period before resuming tasks. 



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The “30-30 Rule” is the most appropriate for electrical storms in progress; however, it does not provide 

protection against lightning; hence, staff working outdoors must have electrical storm detection devices 

and will stay alert about changes of the sky’s condition. 

In the event of a lightning strike incident the following response procedure must be followed: 

a. The person witnessing the incident will notify the Emergency Response Team Leader and Safety 

Control Center. 

b. Since all deaths resulting from lightning strikes result in heart arrest and/or respiratory arrest, the 

person witnessing the accident must apply cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or mouth to mouth 

breathing as soon as possible. Likewise, if the electrical storm continues the patient will be 

transferred to a safer location. 

c. The Emergency Response Team Presiding Leader will instruct the Chief of First Aids to go to the 

accident’s area. 

d. The Safety Control Center will notify the Health and Safety Manager. 

6.3.7.4.9 Hauling spills 

6.3.7.4.9.1 Hauling spills within the project’s area 

In the event of an accident involving reagent and consumable hauling activities within the project’s area, 

actions previously described for hazardous chemical materials will be activated (Chart 6.3.5). 

6.3.7.4.9.2 Hauling spills outside the site 

Hauling of consumables to the Project Conga’s operations will be the responsibility of accredited 

companies that have their own Emergency Response and Contingency Plan to be implemented in the 

event of a substance spill outside the project’s area. However, in the event of an accident involving 

chemical hauling activities outside the project’s area, MYSRL will immediately activate the following 

actions: 

a. The driver or witness belonging to the hauling company will immediately notify an accident event to 

the company and will implement their Emergency Response and Contingency Plan. 

b. The hauling company’s Response Team Leader will notify Conga project’s Safety Control Center. 

c. The Safety Control Center will notify the Safety Manager and Loss Prevention Manager. 

d. The Emergency Response Team Leader will decide the response level, required resources, 

equipment, staff, etc. and will communicate information to the Loss Prevention Manager for approval 

of required response. 

e. The Loss Prevention Manager will make the decision of dispatching the Emergency Response team. 

6.3.7.4.10 Vehicle accidents (light and heavy equipment) 

Due to the continuous transportation of people through the project’s access roads, the probability of a 

vehicular accident occurrence is high; however, MYSRL will implement the best transportation practices 

to prevent accidents and minimize injuries of the project’s staff, local communities, and public in general. 

Section 6.1 describes safety initiatives to be implemented as part of the Conga project. On the other 

hand, response actions for vehicular accidents will be related to the proper first aid assistance provided at 

the accident’s site and it will be provided according to the type of emergency. Next is discussed the 

vehicular accident emergency communication protocol: 

a. The person witnessing the accident will notify the Security Control Center and his/her supervisor. 

b. If the witnessed trained to do so, he/she will provide first aid assistance; otherwise, he/she must wait 

for trained staff. 

c. The Safety Control center will notify the area’s Incident Commander, Loss Prevention Specialist, and 

Emergency Response Team Leader. 

d. The Incident Commander will report the incident to the National Police, if required, and the area’s 

Response Team. 

e. The Loss Prevention Area will notify the Area Manager and Incident Commander. 



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f. If there is the likelihood of a spill (diesel, fuel, chemical substances), the Scene Commander will 

immediately inform the Environmental Department. 

A medical unit will be built as part of the Conga project, which will be equipped to provide first aid for 

minor injuries and medical emergencies. In the event that the Superintendent decides that the medical 

emergencies cannot be treated at the project’s medical center, the patient will be transferred in 

ambulance to an equipped hospital in the District of Celendin or in the city of Cajamarca, depending of 

the severity of the accident. 

6.3.7.4.11 Fauna vehicle incidents 

To reduce the risk of running over fauna, vehicle speed will be controlled in compliance with MYSRL’s 

internal safety standards. Driving will not only be performed taking into account every precaution to avoid 

accidents but also having present the importance of not disturbing the fauna, observing driving speed and 

noise emission regulations or guidelines (for instance, alarms, horns, or other). Informative signs will be 

installed indicating maximum allowable speed limit and sings indicating “do not make noise” or “do not 

disturb the fauna”. 

6.3.7.4.12 Archeological remains 

To determine archeological remains within the Conga project’s area, MYSRL developed four Restricted 

Excavation Archeological Evaluation” Projects such as Minas Conga, Minas Conga I, Minas Conga II and 

Minas Conga III, which were filed with INC to apply for Non-Presence of Archeological Remains 

Certificates (Appendix 2.1); additionally, a procedure is established in the event that during the project’s 

construction activities artifacts with archeological value are found. 

Every member of the staff working in the project’s construction will be informed that any archeological 

finding will be immediately reported to the operational area’s supervisor, who in turn will report the finding 

to the Environmental Supervisor. In coordination with the Environmental Department works will be 

interrupted at the finding’s area. At the same time, remains will be reported to INC and MEM. 

Interruption of construction works within the finding’s area will continue until the INC determines the 

finding’s cultural value and actions to be taken for its conservation or recovery. 

6.3.8 Emergency evaluation 

The response team, based on information from the emergency, will develop a damage record as part of 

the Emergency Final Report. This record will include details of the following: 

Resources used 

Resources not used 

Resources destroyed 

Resources lost 

Resources recovered 

Resources rehabilitated 

Communication levels 

The Response Team will define the proper moment and at what competency level will the emergency 

information be managed; thus, the team will decide what external instances and institutions other than 

OSINERGMIN must be informed of the event, i.e., municipalities, MEM’s Mining General Directorate, 

among other. 

To ensure that the response is appropriate, after each event requiring the activation of emergency 

brigades, the brigade Leader present in the scene, along with the chief(s) of the activated brigade(s) will 

perform a response analysis. The purpose of the analysis is to identify ways in which the response could 

have been better managed: communications, equipment, procedures, and response time, among other. 

The results of the analysis will be applied to improve the response in the event of a recurrence. This 



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eview will include an evaluation of how the brigades would have reacted should the emergency had 

escalated. 

6.3.8.1 Review and update of the Emergency Response and Contingency Plan 

According to Law Nº 28551, which stipulates the obligation of developing and filing contingency plans, 

MYSRL must update its plan every five years from its approval date to identify opportunities of 

improvement that may be included in the next version of the Emergency Response and Contingency 

Plan. Likewise, the law establishes that updates will be included when activity conditions or 

circumstances that originated the Emergency Response and Contingency Plan show significant 

variations. These major changes may be the following: 

Alteration or modification of the project’s operation 

Modification of guidelines or regulations ruling Contingency Plans 

Change of address or telephone of authorities that need to be notified in case of an emergency 

Change of emergency team’s organization 

Every change of the plan’s content must be notified internally, recorded in the Changes Log and be 

updated with SINADECI. 

Additionally, new terms will be added to Appendix 6.2 which includes a Glossary of Terms for this 

Emergency and Contingency Response Plan. 

6.3.9 Internal notifications or communications 

Proper communications and their controlled and responsible use are critical. This includes: i) personal 

contact wherever possible; ii) maintain conversations brief and focused; and iii) respect those 

communicating or waiting to do so. 

6.3.9.1 Organization of calls 

In the event any emergency is detected within the Project Conga, the following steps will be followed: 

6.3.9.1.1 Level 1 event 

The first in the scene or witness will notify the event to the Area Response Team Leader providing the 

following information: 

Type of emergency 

Location of emergency 

Name and position of person reporting 

Location of worker reporting emergency 

The Response Team Leader will notify the emergency to the Incident Commander, providing 

information about the event. 

The Incident Commander, based on the evaluation, will assume control of the emergency and only if the 

case warrants it will direct the Response Team Leader to act immediately. 

6.3.9.1.2 Level 2 or 3 event 

The first person in the scene or witness will notify the event to the Safety Control Center and his/her 

supervisor, remaining calm and following standard procedure for information. He/she will provide the 

following information: 

Type of emergency. 

Location of emergency. 

Name and position of person reporting. 

Location of worker reporting emergency. 



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Amount of people injured (if possible). 

Type of injury (if any). 

The Safety Control Center will notify the emergency to the Incident Commander, Emergency Response 

Team Leader and Internal Safety. 

The Emergency Response Team, based on an evaluation, will assume control of the emergency and 

will be responsible of notifying the event to the Emergency Brigade for immediate action. If the event 

warrants it, he/she will notify other support institutions (Fire Department / Civil Defense / National Police 

of Peru) and surrounding communities to receive required support. 

The brigade teams will be the first ones to arrive to the emergency’s site. At the same time, they will 

organize and locate people to assist during the emergency, isolate them, or shelter them in safe areas. 

Communications will be mainly performed through the Safety Control Center. Graph 6.3.1 shows the 

emergency communication flow and response flow. 

It is worth pointing out that Appendix 6.5 includes more emergency response details for emergencies 

identified for the Conga project. This Action Plan includes emergency warning flowcharts and 

communication canals in the event of an occurrence of aforementioned emergencies. 

6.3.9.2 Communications system 

Emergency internal communications will be fluid, accurate, and clear at all times. For this purpose, the 

Safety Control Center will be implemented; it will operate 24 hours and will take incoming assistance 

calls. At the same time, communications devices such as radios and telephones will be installed to alert 

the staff performing tasks. Each worker will be familiarized with the communications system and its 

location for its use. 

In the event of an emergency, the Safety Control Center will maintain a communication link between the 

Emergency Response Team, Incident Commander, and external emergency calls until the emergency is 

cleared or the Area Response Team takes charge of the communications system. 

In the event of a chemical or hydrocarbons hauling emergency, the driver in charge of the vehicle will 

have a set of knowledge and means to establish required communications. This will ensure a prompt 

communication with corresponding entities and will allow the Response Team to ensure that instructions 

are being correctly delivered. 

6.3.9.2.1 Radio 

A radio is the most accessible device to communicate activities to be performed and report an 

emergency. Radio systems include a base station, portable units, and mobile stations installed on 

equipment or mobile vehicles. 

6.3.9.2.2 Telephones 

Telephones will be located in offices, main gate, laboratories, and shops and they will be for internal and 

external use. In the event of an emergency, they will be used to communicate the event to brigades or 

external support institutions. 

6.3.9.2.3 Intercommunications 

Intercommunications can be visual or acoustic announcing emergencies through alarms or lights warning 

the staff about the presence of a hazard. Every worker must be completely familiarized with signs and 

alarms to be installed within the Conga project. 

It must be taken into account that communications can present weaknesses such as: 

Communications dead points 



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Lack of privacy 

Lack of clear signal 

Lack of availability for users 

Due to these reasons, care must be taken when relaying information via radio or telephone. Some 

people may intercept conversations with antennas. Any important information regarding the interest of 

the company or involved workers must be dealt with in person or through communication systems 

identified as safe. 

External communications with contractors or suppliers must be identified. These communications may 

provide solutions or contributions during an emergency. 

6.3.9.3 Contacts list 

The Health and Safety Manager will develop a contacts list which will be inserted in the plan to be easily 

accessible in the event of an emergency. At the same time, the contacts list will be placed in defined 

areas throughout the project’s facilities. 

The emergency contacts list will include the following detailed contact information: 

MYSRL’s staff in key leading positions, including physicians. 

Conga project managers and contractor teams that during the construction stage will be responsible of 

implementing specific emergency response activities. 

Conga project managers and contractor teams during the operation stage will be responsible of 

implementing specific emergency response activities. 

Contractors or local residents with response or earthworks equipment that may be required during an 

emergency event. 

Emergency Response Brigade. 

Local community leaders. 

Government, regional, and provincial corresponding authorities. 

6.3.10 Emergency notification external communications 

6.3.10.1 Communications with OSINERGMIN, SINADECI, and MEM 

Law N° 28964 in its article 9 states that fatal accident and mine and/or environmental safety and health 

emergency events must be reported to the head of OSINERGMIN within 24 hours of the occurrence. In 

these cases, OSINERGMIN will order an inspection without prejudice of the immediate actions to be 

taken by the head of the mining operation. 

At the same time, article 29 of OSINERGMIN’s energy and mining activity supervision Regulations, 

approved via Directive Council Resolution N° 324-2007-OS-CD, establishes that in the event of a serious 

or fatal accidents, incidents, emergency events, interruption of public utilities, interruption of operations or 

environmental damage, the responsible party of the supervised activity must report the event in writing to 

the OSINERGMIN in the established format within the next working day of the event. This report must be 

expanded and reported to OSINERGMIN within 10 working days from the date of the occurrence. 

Additionally, environmental accident must be notified within the following 24 hours to: i) MEM’s General 

Directorate of Mining; and ii) MEM’s General Directorate of Mine Environmental Affairs. In the event of 

fatal accidents, SINADECI, institution in charge of overseeing Contingency Plans, must also be notified. 

Information will be the responsibility of the Response Team Leader in coordination with the Operations 

Manager and will be exchanged via fax, confirming reception via telephone. 

To date, OSINEGMIN has not developed forms for the mining sector; however, it is recommended to use 

forms for the hydrocarbon sector. 



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6.3.10.2 Communications with other support institutions 

Support institutions are: National Police of Peru (PNP in Spanish), hospitals, ESSALUD, Volunteer Fire 

Fighting Department, and INDECI who will be notified according the emergency level evaluated by the 

Response Team. 

In the event of an accident during chemical hauling activities, communications will depend on where the 

vehicle is located at the time of the event. Hence, communications will be established with the PNP, 

Volunteer Firefighters, and similar institutions. 

Since there isn’t an applicable regulation for contingency plans, it is considered that according to D.S. Nº 

032-2004-EM (Hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities regulations) in the event of 

hydrocarbon spills larger than 1.6 m 3 (1600 L), a preliminary report must be filed within 24 hours of the 

incident occurrence, via fax, containing basic information. 

At the same time, according to the MEM’s Concentrate Management and Hauling Environmental Guide, 

in the event of mineral concentrate spills or discharge due to a hauling unit turning over that may have an 

impact on the soil, flora, land fauna, or water bodies, must be reported via a preliminary report within 24 

hours of the occurrence to the General Directorate of Mining via fax including basic information. 

Additionally, the spill must be reported to OSINERGMIN, in compliance with the Directive Council 

Resolution N° 324-2007-OS-CD. 

6.3.10.3 Communications with populated centers 

In the event that a populated center is involved in an emergency event, they will be informed and 

integrated via the External Affairs Area; in the event of a specific dam failure, the dam operator will notify 

the emergency to the authorities of the populated center and other authorities based on the event’s 

magnitude. The authorities will be notified of actions and measures being executed to control the event. 

Permanent support from the Public Relations and Community Relations Departments will be permanently 

available to maintain fluid and constant communications. 

6.3.10.4 6.3.10.4 Information for the media 

Maintaining good relations with the media is positive for the company since the media has a distribution 

network available to relay information. Due to this, it is inappropriate to avoid contact with the media 

since distorted versions of an emergency are created. For that purpose, the company has competent 

staff available for this type of communications. 

When dealing with the media, the following issues must be considered: 

Ensure that the media (press, radio, and TV) does not interfere with the task of the emergency brigade’s 

staff. 

The media must be directed to the people assigned to communicate information to safeguard the 

company interests, employees, and basically accuracy of facts. 

Provide facilities to satisfy the work needs of the media (for instance, work stations, communications, 

controlled site visits, among other). 

It is important that the media is treated professionally and courteously. Little information is better than 

no information. 

Next is included a check list for the people in charge of providing information about an emergency that 

may arise in the Conga project’s area. 

Be clear about what you have to say and say it with conviction, tact, and caution. 

Use your own words when answering questions, not the ones used to lead by the reporter. 

Arrive on time to the meeting point; this helps the communicator to facilitate the information. 

You are in charge, you are the expert. Don’t be intimidated by information provided by reporters. 



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Ask the reporter details and his/her source of the information he/she already has. Information may not 

be accurate, but may be important to formulate your answer. 

Be certain about the facts. If you are not certain, tell the reporter that you will check it and will contact 

him back with the information. 

Use language that an average person understands. 

Restrict the use of statistics. 

Do not feel trapped by answer options that may be provided by the reporter, especially if you do not 

agree with any of them. 

Do not answer questions that may imply assumptions (“what would happen if”). 

Do not use “no comments” to answer; if you do not know the answer, refer the reporter to somebody 

that may provide the answer or offer to find the information after the meeting 

Be cautious if your requested to answer “off the record”. Do not consider any “off the record” 

conversations. 

Do not be sarcastic or show lack of attention. 

Remember that as MYSRL’s spokesperson, you never have a personal opinion; you are always 

representing the company. If you are not aware of the company’s position on a subject, research it. If 

your organization does not have an official position, explain so. 

6.3.10.5 6.3.11 Training and simulation 

MYSRL has established guidelines to provide their employees and contractors training based on the 

needs associated safety risks, occupational health, and management system. Guidelines have been 

developed so the staff working for the Conga project is capable of assisting any emergency from its start 

to the arrival of the emergency brigade. 

The type of training that will be provided for employees and contracts will be based on the position held 

and work area, as described next: 

Basic Training on Loss Prevention for Supervision Line: mandatory training for supervision line and 

contractors. 

Specific Training on Loss Prevention: program aimed at workers based on their work position. 

Induction: initial training to inform and create awareness on safe, efficient, and proper work. Inductions 

are divided into: 

General induction: Presentation for workers before being assigned to their works, on main policy, 

regulation, and general practices policies. 

Specific induction: Orientation for new and transferred staff in charge of their corresponding 

supervisors/foremen on ways and means to control risks at the workplace. 

Visitor induction: Induction for visits or temporary workers (workers that remain less that 14 days on 

site not performing critical tasks) before entering the site. 

Staff and management responsibilities must be clearly defined. Consequently, the Human 

Resources Area will organize the Response Team. The brigade’s members will receive advanced 

training on first aids, fire extinguishing, hazardous materials, and spill responses for materials in use 

at the project. 

6.3.10.6 Training 

The program’s objective is to standardize and regulate training activities, especially for the Conga 

project’s Response Team and emergency brigade, based on international codes, NFPA standards 

(National Fire Protection Association), MSHA standards (Mine Safety and Health Administration), and 

applicable Peruvian regulations. Likewise, it aims to provide instructions, create awareness, and train 

staff (MYSRL, contractor, and subcontractor) on safety, health, environment, and community relations 

issues to prevent and/or avoid injuries, safety, environment, and infrastructure damages during the 

development of the Conga project’s operations. 



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During the development of the project’s activities, worker training will consist of industrial and 

environment safety discussions, stressing the use of explosives and access road maintenance 

equipment. Likewise, training and induction sessions will be focuses on specific machinery and 

equipment operation, proper hazardous substance spill management, and practices to ensure that 

workers are familiar with containment and control procedures. The responsible party of the instruction is 

the Talent and Training Management Area’s staff. 

It is important that each project worker understands the obligation of reporting every health, safety, or 

environment accidents, encouraging feedback on a prevention system for new risk events. 

6.3.10.7 Simulation 

The members of the emergency brigade will have to perform full simulation to test response time and 

integrity of the emergency systems. Simulations will be scheduled without prior notice to the staff of each 

section, procuring to recreate events as real as possible to be able to perform a feedback for the plan. 

Earthquake and fire simulations must be scheduled by each department, at least once and year, and 

referring workers to theoretical-practical courses. Evacuation simulations, which include the Evacuation, 

Search, and Rescue Brigade, will be performed in compliance with the Mine Safety and Health 

Regulations (D.S. Nº 046-2001-EM). 

Likewise, emergency equipment used during any simulation must be inspected, cleaned, recharged, or 

replaced before being returned to the corresponding working area. 

6.4 Solid Waste Management Plan 

6.4.1 Introduction 

This Solid Waste Management Plan (PMRS in Spanish) has been developed as part of the Conga 

project’s Environmental Impact Assessment Plan and it was prepared in agreement with the Solid and 

Hazardous Management Plan for MYSRL’s facilities, documented updated on 2007 (Appendix 6.6). 

This PMRS establishes guidelines for a system optimal management, from the generation of wastes to 

their final disposal, including the Conga project’s storage, collection, and hauling stages. Likewise, this 

PMRS was developed including environmental and social responsibility requirements that make MYSRL 

stand out. 

6.4.2 Objectives 

6.4.2.1 General objective 

This document’s main objective is to establish an effective control, management, and disposal of solid 

wastes generated during the Conga project’s construction and operation stages, avoiding potential 

environmental and health impacts, and impacts on workers and surrounding communities’ safety. 

6.4.2.2 Specific objectives 

The application of this PMRS will allow the following specific objectives: 

Minimize solid waste amounts to be managed through reduction, reuse, and recycling practices. 

Promote waste segregation per characteristics (paper and cardboard, plastic, metal, glass, and organic 

wastes) to facilitate their management and use. 

Establish guidelines to develop proper solid waste management technical procedures. 

Safeguard workers and communities relatively close to avoid their exposure to waste with potential 

pathogen content and avoid creating vector sources. 

Reduce environmental impacts through proper final disposal of wastes. 

6.4.3 Scope 

Each of the following management system components has been considered to develop the PMRS: 



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Origen generation and segregation 

Storage 

Collection 

Hauling 

Treatment 

Final disposal 

This PMRS has a specific application on MYSRL’s operations, for the full Project Conga environment 

where generation of solid wastes is identified. Likewise, it includes internal hauling and final disposal of 

assimilated solid wastes to such as urban and inert waste (non-hazardous) beyond the project’s 

boundaries. No solid waste (non-hazardous) management activities are foreseen outside the project’s 

boundaries. 

Hazardous solid waste management requires special attention. For that purpose, a specialized services 

provider (EPS-RS in Spanish), duly registered with the General Directorate of Environmental Health 

(DIGESA in Spanish), will be available. 

A specific management system has been designed for each type of inert non-hazardous waste geared 

aimed to its marketing or proper final disposal (for instance, scrap, rubble, and similar material at waste 

rock storage facilities). 

This PMRS has been developed considering the pre-established Solid and Hazardous Materials 

Management Plan for MYSRL’s facilities and current environmental law: 

Law Nº 27314, Solid Waste General Law, amended by Law Decree Nº1065. 

Supreme Decree Nº 057-2004-PCM, Solid Waste General Law Regulations. 

Law Nº 28256, Law Regulation Land Hauling of Hazardous Materials and Wastes. 

Supreme Decree Nº 046-2001-EM, Mine Safety and Health Regulations. 

Ministerial Resolution Nº 217-2004/MINSA, Technical Standard Nº 008-MINSA/DGSP-V.O1: "Hospital 

Solid Waste Management". 

We must point out that the PMRS does not include tailings, waste rock materials or metallurgic and 

mineral production processes management, in compliance with Article 36 of Supreme Decree N º 057- 

2004-PCM. 

6.4.4 Project components 

6.4.4.1 Description of Conga project 

The Conga project includes the following main facilities and infrastructure: 


Pits 

Waste rock storage facility 



ROM Pad 

Primary crusher circuit 

Crushed material transportation system 

Coarse ore stockpile 




Tailings transportation and disposal system 




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Supernatant pond recovery system 


Reservoirs 


Sediment ponds 


Diversion structures 

Borrow pits (quarries) 

Ancillary Facilities 



Access and corridors 

Special product management infrastructure 

Other operation infrastructure 

6.4.4.2 Camps and amount of workers 

The Conga project design does not include the construction of temporary or permanent camps for staff 

lodging. All personnel involved in the project’s development during the construction and operation stages 

will be transported daily from and to MYSRL’s camp, to and from the mine. In the event of staff from the 

surrounding communities, they will also be transported daily from their place of residence. Transportation 

will be provided by a company specialized in this type of service. 

During the construction stage the use of prefabricated offices has been considered for the administrative 

area, which will be removed when permanent administrative offices are built. Prefabricated offices will be 

modular and they will provide private and common area offices (cubicles) for the staff and meeting, office 

supplies and cafeteria areas. 

Likewise, the project is planning the construction of a medical unit which will provide emergency medical 

services to the project’s area. In the event that a more specialized medical treatment is required, the 

patient will be referred to the city of Cajamarca. 

The construction stage of the Conga project is scheduled for a period of 42 months and will employ 

approximately 900 people during the first months, to reach 6000 workers during its most intense period 

for skilled and non-skilled tasks. 

During the operation stage an average of 1660 people will be employed including 1174 employees and 

486 contractors during the first eleven years of operation. Labor requirements will vary during the life of 

the Conga project, reaching a peak of 1800 people during the second year. 

6.4.5 Waste generation 

According to current law, this plan’s solid wastes are considered as non-municipal solid waste 

management. At the same time, Law Nº 27314 and its regulations establishes two general classifications 

for non-municipal solid waste management: hazardous and non-hazardous waste. 

Hazardous waste is defined as waste that due to its characteristics or management represents a 

significant health or environmental risk and includes at least one of the following characteristics: 

corrosive, reactive, radioactive, explosive, toxic, inflammable, and pathogen. Hazardous waste may be 

industrial or residential. 

Non-hazardous waste is defined as waste that does not represent health or environmental risk when 

properly managed. The following non-hazardous waste classification will be considered: 

Residential or urban solid waste. 



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Inert solid waste. 

6.4.6 Residential solid waste 

Residential solid waste, also denominated waste assimilation, is generated by residential activities, and 

includes: food, paper, newspapers, magazines, bottles, packing material, cardboard, personal hygiene 

waste, and other. 

6.4.7 Inert solid waste 

Waste from construction activities formed by packing material, wood and grass from land stripping 

activities, sheet scrap, cable, welding, miscellaneous structures, scrap, structural steel, pipes, valves, 

aggregate, tires, and inert construction material. 

Currently, MYSRL is characterizing solid waste generated within its facilities using containers for that 

purpose that have been distributed throughout MYSRL’s property. These containers will be later used for 

temporary storage purposes of solid waste generated by the Conga project. Color containers will be 

labeled for easy identification in compliance with environmental procedure MA-PA-039. Table 6.4.1 

includes corresponding codes to be used. 

6.4.8 Waste generation during construction stage 

The Conga project’s construction, estimated in 42 months, will include contractor and MYSRL labor 

during the 365 days of the year. Table 6.4.2 includes an inventory of solid waste to be generated during 

this stage, including generation sources or points. 

During the construction stage it is expected that the labor requirements (skilled and non-skilled tasks) will 

reach approximately 6000 people. 

To calculate the generation of waste 48 months (4 years) will be considered for this stage, which is 

considered a conservative calculation. 

6.4.9 Non-hazardous solid waste 

6.4.9.1 Residential solid waste 

The Conga project has included the generation of the following residential non-hazardous waste: 

Food waste: generated at the cafeteria during the preparation of meals and catering services. 

Paper: generated at administrative offices and desk work areas. 

Bottles, cans, cardboard: generated at different spots of the project from work environments to 

administrative and cafeteria environments. 

Packing material: generated at warehouses and offices. 

6.4.9.1.1 Generation spots 

Waste will be generated at different spots. The following are noticeable due to its volume and weight 

(from low to high): 

Cafeteria 

Desk, office, and warehouse environments 

Bathrooms and toilets 

Outdoors work environment 

6.4.9.2 Generation calculation 

Table 6.4.3 includes as reference a projected calculation of residential non-hazardous solid waste 

generation during the construction stage. According to the estimated amount of workers for the 

construction stage (6000 people) and considering an average of 0.4 kg/day of waste generated per 

worker (generation per capita), an annual amount of 876 tons is estimated. 



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6.4.9.3 Inert solid waste 

During this stage waste will be generated from construction activities and it will be in the form of packing 

material, wood and grass from land stripping activities, sheet scrap, cables, welding, miscellaneous 

structures, pipes, valves, aggregate, tires, and inert construction material. 

6.4.9.3.1 Generation calculation 

The generation of this type of waste will vary and its proper management will depend of continuous 

application procedures that will be applied when this type of residue is generated. As reference, 

considering the expertise in similar projects and data obtained from mining activities during an operation 

stage, it is estimated that 74 tons/month of inert waste will be generated, which represent 888 annual tons 

and a total of 3552 tons of inert waste for the full construction stage of the project. 

Table 6.4.4 includes a projected calculation for the generation of inert non-hazardous solid waste during 

the construction stage. 

6.4.10 Hazardous solid waste 

The generation of the following hazardous waste has been considered for the construction stage: metal 

containing cadmium and lead (for instance, generated by welding activities), electrical material waste, oil 

and lubricant waste, hydrocarbon waste, hazardous chemical container waste, health material waste, 

worn out batteries, spray cans, among other. 

6.4.10.1 Waste generated during the operation stage 

Average total for labor during the project’s operation stage will approximately be 1660 people. Table 

6.4.5 includes an inventory of solid waste to be generated during this stage and generation sources or 

points. 

6.4.11 Non-hazardous solid waste 

6.4.11.1 Residential waste 

As in the construction stage, the following residential waste was identified: 

Food waste. 

Paper, magazines, newspapers. 

Bottles, cans, cardboard. 

Packing material. 

Personal hygiene waste. 

6.4.11.1.1 Generation points 

This type of waste has several generation points among which the following are highlighted: 

Cafeteria 

Desk, office, and warehouse environments. 

Bathrooms and toilets. 

Outdoors working environments. 


Table 6.4.6 includes a projected calculation of residential non-hazardous solid waste generation during 

the operation stage. According to the estimated amount of workers for this stage (1660 people) and 

considering an average of 0.4 kg/day of waste generated per worker (per capita) it has been estimated 

242 tons of waste per year. Hence, a total of 4120 tons of residential waste will be generated during the 




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6.4.11.2 Inert solid waste 

Solid waste will mainly be in the form of wood, steel, concrete, pipes, lining, and other non-hazardous 

material during the operation stage. Shops and warehouses have being identified as generators of 

packing material, wood, and metal waste in addition to work environments outdoors. 


Similar to the construction stage, considering the experience with other projects with similar infrastructure 

and data obtained from mining operations at an operation stage as reference, it is estimated that 74 

tons/month of inert waste, representing 888 tons per year and a total of 15,096 tons of inert waste for the 

full operation stage of the project is estimated. 

Table 6.4.7 includes a projected calculation for inert non-hazardous waste generation for the operation 

stage. 

6.4.12 Hazardous solid waste 

It has been projected that hazardous solid waste for the construction stage will be: cadmium and lead 

content metals, electrical material waste, waste impregnated with oil and hydrocarbons, hazardous 

chemical containers, health waste, and residential hazardous waste (spray containers, ink, chemical 

flasks, expired medication, worn out batteries) among other. 

6.4.12.1 Preliminary characterization study 

Once the project’s operation has started a field work will be performed to adjust pre-established 

parameters in this PRMS. This evaluation will consider OPS procedures for solid waste evaluation 

purposes and determine actual values for: 

Generation rate per capita. 

Waste composition (food, paper, cardboard, metals, etc.). 

Waste density (generation, central storage, and landfill). 

Physical characteristics (humidity, heat properties, among other). 

The results of this study will be applied to the generation, primary storage, central storage, hauling, and 

final disposal stages. 

Preliminarily, considering the implementation of segregation practices and based on bibliographic 

references and the expertise from prior projects of similar nature, it is estimated that the composition of 

residential non-hazardous solid waste during the operation stage will be as follows (Chart 6.4.1): 

Chart 6.4.1 

Residential non-hazardous waste composition during operation stage 

Waste Percent Tons/year 

Organic waste 34percent 89.4 

Paper and cardboard 15percent 39.5 

Soft plastic 8percent 21.0 

Hard plastic 8percent 21.0 

Glass 5percent 13.2 

Metal 5percent 13.2 

Non-recycable waste (requires final disposal) 25percent 65.75 

Total 100percent 263 

Source: Guidelines for the Design Construction, and Operation of Manual Sanitary Landfills developed by the Pan-American Center 

for Sanitary and Environmental Engineering and the World Health Organization, 2002. 



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6.4.13 Waste storage 

6.4.13.1 Primary storage 

Primary storage means waste management activities immediately after generated; waste will be disposed 

in a proper container installed at the generation point. Container in which waste will be disposed 

immediately after being generated is known as primary storage point. It is at this instance when 

segregation is performed. 

6.4.13.1.1 Segregation 

The following classification will be applied to the different waste components to be managed: 

Common waste (green container); 

Soil impregnated with hydrocarbons (yellow containers); 

Rags impregnated with hydrocarbons or hazardous waste (red containers); 

Recyclable paper and cardboard (brown containers); 

Compressed empty used filters (black containers); 

Metal scrap (blue containers); 

Light bulbs, fluorescent tube/bulb, etc. (neon green containers); 

Ink/toner cartridges, diskettes, and compact discs (CDs) (orange containers); 

Can sprays and recycled perforated aerosols (purple/lilac containers); and 

Recyclable containers, soda bottles, plastic cards (credit, identification, etc.) (light blue containers). 

Bins or containers will be installed at each generation point according to the identified waste and in 

compliance with environmental procedure MA-PA-039. Hence, an origin or in situ segregation will be 

performed since containers for each type of waste will be installed based on what is generated at each 

specific point. 

Generated waste during the Conga project’s construction and operation stages will be managed and 

disposed following MYSRL’s hazardous and non-hazardous waste procedures detailed next and included 

in Appendix 6.7: 

MA-PA-008 procedure - “Used light bulbs, fluorescent tubes and bulbs management”: Will preferably be 

handled in their original packing or wooden crates to prevent breakage before their final disposal. Once 

cardboard boxes are sealed, they will be placed in neon green cylinders in compliance with MYSRL’s 

waste classification system. Final disposal of sealed wooden crates will be performed at an approved 

sanitary landfill for hazardous waste outside the Conga project’s facilities. 

MA-PA-010 procedure - “Used tire management”: Used tires will be temporarily stored in layout yards. 

Used tires with a rim size above 25 must be disposed laying down on the landfill’s discharge slope to be 

buried taking advantage of material discharge at the landfill. Light vehicle tires will be removed by the 

approved waste management contractor. 

MA-PA-014 procedure - “Management of rags impregnated with oil or oil derivatives” Impregnate rags, 

previously wringed, will be temporarily stored in red cylinders equipped for that purpose. Subsequently, 

rags will be placed in black garbage bags for their final disposal at the impregnated rags storage shack 

located at the Yanacocha complex. 

MA-PA-016 procedure - “Clean-up of portable toilets and septic tanks”. Clean-up and disinfection will 

be performed at least twice a week; this frequency will increase according to user needs and bathroom 

use. This task will be exclusively performed by an EPS-RS. At the same time, septic tank suction 

activities will be performed by an EPS-RS. 

MA-PA-017 procedure - “Used battery management”: Batteries will be temporarily stored in a safe place 

until their hauling to the Waste Central Station located at the Yanacocha complex; they will be protected 

against the weather (under cover) and potential accidents involving staff and/or machinery. 

MA-PA-018 procedure - “Biomedical and pathogenic waste management”: Biomedical waste from the 

Medical Unit will be collected and disposed separately using different containers or bins for each type of 



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waste. Biomedical waste must be places in temporary storage stands within their facilities. The EPS- 

RS will collect, haul, and perform final waste disposal on a weekly basis. 

MA-PA-020 procedure - “Chemical laboratory waste management”: Lead cupules, smelter slag, scrap, 

crucible, and metal scrap will be stored in plastic cylinders, duly labeled and covered. Waste disposal 

will be performed in an area close to being covered with mineral. 

MA-PA-021 procedure - “Management of soil impregnated with hydrocarbons or chemical substances”: 

Impregnated dirt or soil with hydrocarbons due to spills must be evacuated towards volatilization pad 

located at the Yanacocha complex’s residue storage stations. Dirt or soil impregnated with chemical 

substances will be evacuated and disposed at the Yanacocha complex’s yard or leaching pad prior 

neutralization, if required, following the instructions of staff specialized in processes. 

MA-PA-022 procedure- “Used oil filter management”: Used cylinders will be temporarily stored in black 

cylinders at the vehicle and equipment maintenance yard to later be hauled to the Yanacocha’s Waste 

Central Station for crushing and final disposal. 

MA-PA-023 procedure - “Chemical product management”: Used or expired chemical products will be 

returned to the supplier, if possible; otherwise, they will be managed by an EPS-RS and disposed in an 

approved safety landfill. 

MA-PA-024 procedure - “Residual or used oil management”: Residual oil will be hauled and stored, if 

possible, in used or residual oil tanks. Used or residual oil stored in tanks will be periodically hauled to 

the Yanacocha’s lime quarry where it will be used as an alternate furnace source of energy to burn lime. 

MA-PA-027 procedure - “Plastic, geomembrane, and other management”: Work areas will enable small 

areas for geomembrane and HDPE pipe scraps temporary storage before their disposal at the 

Yanacocha’s complex plastic yards. 

MA-PA-028 procedure - “Electronic waste management”: Electronic waste will be stored in containers or 

warehouses duly arranged for this purpose. These areas will be enclosed, aired, and safe. 

MA-PA-029 procedure - “Hydrocarbon management”: Waste management for receptacles, containers, 

pipes, or other facility used for hydrocarbon storage and use must be performed in compliance with MA- 

PA-037 procedure. 

MA-PA-030 procedure - “Used rags and grease impregnated rags management”: Grease waste will be 

stored in sealed cylinders to avoid leaks or spills into the environment. Their evacuation will be 

coordinated with the Environment Department and a company specialized in management of this waste. 

MA-PA-031 procedure - “Mechanical equipment parts management”: Non-reusable mechanical parts 

will be disposed at the Yanacocha complex’s scrap yard prior clean-up of hydrocarbons impregnated in 

mechanical parts. 

MA-PA-032 procedure - “Scrap management”: Blue containers or cylinders at operation areas will be 

used for temporary storage of scrap. Scrap will be disposed at the Yanacocha complex’s Waste 

Central Station to be later hauled by an EP-RS. 

MA-PA-034 procedure: “Used solvent and solvent impregnated rag management”: Solvent impregnated 

rags will be temporarily stored in red cylinders before their disposal in the Yanacocha complex’s storage 

shack. Used solvent management will be hauled and stored in used or waste oil tanks, if possible. 

MA-PA-037 procedure - “Empty cylinder and container management”: Empty cylinders or containers will 

be cleaned before their reuse, to be later painted and labeled according to its new use. Empty cylinders 

or containers that contained chemical substances may be disposed at the Yanacocha complex for 

reuse purposes or to be classified as scrap. Empty cylinders or containers that contained chemicals 

that needs to be eliminated will be disposed at the Yanacocha complex to be discarded as hazardous 

waste. 

MA-PA-039 procedure - “Residue container labeling and signage”: Containers must be painted 

according to the colors suggested by the Environment Department. 

MA-PA-040 procedure - “Wood waste management”: Work areas must enable small areas where wood 

will be temporarily stored for posterior disposal at the wood yard of the Yanacocha’s complex’s Waste 

Central Station. 

MA-PA-055 procedure - “Non-Hazardous Waste Management (general waste)”: Temporary storage of 

non-hazardous waste will be performed at generating areas. General waste (except domestic oil and 



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grease trap waste) will be disposed at the Yanacocha complex’s industrial landfill in charge of 

companies specialized for that purpose. 

MA-PA-060 procedure - “Hazardous Waste Management”: Non-hazardous temporary storage will be 

performed in colored cylinders or containers. Hazardous waste will be disposed at the Yanacocha 

complex’s Waste Central Station. At this facility waste will undergo a segregation and treatment 

process until its hauling for trading or final disposal purposes by an approved EPS-RS, as applicable. 

In the event that during the Conga project’s construction and operation stages waste not considered in 

MYSRL’s current procedures is generated, procedures will be developed to ensure proper management 

of this waste in compliance with current law. These new procedures will be incorporated to MYSRL’s 

integral waste management plan. 

6.4.13.1.2 Reduction, reuse, and recycling 

Waste minimization is understood as the introduction of reduction, reuse, and recycling measures at the 

origin point to achieve a reduction of generated waste amount and/or hazard and, consequently, a 

reduction of waste to be disposed at the sanitary landfill. 

These measures will be part of an environmental education strategy that will imply the execution of 

training and awareness sessions so the project’s staff is in condition of executing waste minimization 

good practices. 

A good example of a good practice to be implemented is recycling of solid waste via its marketing through 

a solid waste marketing company (EC-RS in Spanish) duly approved by the Ministry of Health’s DIGESA 

will be encouraged. 

6.4.13.2 Central storage 

A central storage area is an area where generated waste will be stored at different points of the project’s 

primary storage area. High volume containers will be installed at this central storage where waste will be 

temporarily stored until its final disposal or marketing. Environmental procedures MA-PA-055 and MA- 

PA-060 will be applied (Appendix 6.7). 

Waste will be stored according to their physical and chemical nature in environments that avoid its 

dispersion, exposure to rain, explosion, or other risks. It will also consider hazard characteristics, 

incompatibility with other waste, and reactions that may take place in containers allocated for that 

purpose. It is important to consider that containers must safely isolate waste, especially hazardous 

waste, and must be clearly labeled for identification purposes and in compliance with MA-PA-039, 

environmental procedure (Appendix 6.7). 

6.4.13.2.1 Hazardous waste storage 

Hazardous waste generated at the project and contractor’s different activity areas will be disposed at the 

Waste Central Station located at km 39 (at La Quinua’s Coil #1 of MYSRL’s facilities). A segregation and 

treatment process will be applied to this waste and waste will be properly stored until hauled for its final 

marketing or disposal, as applicable. 

Storage conditions and time 

It is important to control hazardous waste conditions and storage time to minimize the risk of fire or 

explosion. A maximum storage time of 6 months will be considered to minimize this risks and certain 

conditions of same (besides conditions mentioned in the previous point), as included in Chart 6.4.2. 

To date, Peruvian regulations do not establish timelines to define a storage area as temporary; however, 

temporary means “for a specific period of time” and according to international standards it is noted that 

this period is 6 months. 



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Facilities to be employed will include an additional structure to provide dual contention and significantly 

reduce the risk of stored waste entering in contact with the environment. 

Chart 6.4.2 

Hazardous waste storage incompatibilities 

Inflammable Explosive Toxic Noxious Irritant Corrosive Combustible 

Inflammable + - - + + + - 

Explosive - + - - - - - 

Toxic - - + + + + - 

Noxious + - + + + + ● 

Irritant + - + + + + ● 

Corrosive + - + + + + ● 

Combustible - - - ● ● ● + 

Note: 

+ Can be stored jointly. 

• Can be jointly stored if specific prevention measures adopted. 

- Do not store with other waste. 

6.4.13.3 Records 

A waste record will be maintained based on dispatch forms submitted by contractors during delivery. 

Once waste enters the storage area, operators will classify it according to type and will store them in 

corresponding containers prior compacting or crushing of large size waste. 

Likewise, an internal solid waste management record will be kept in compliance with the Regulations of 

the General Law of Solid Waste (D.S. Nº 057-2004-PCM). Records and reports will be reviewed by 

executives, if required, to improve the PMRS’ effectiveness. 

The hazardous waste manifest, waybill and chain of custody form constitute the main tools for proper 

control of generated and disposed waste. Facility operators will be responsible of issuing these 

documents each time waste is hauled or delivered for final disposal. 

6.4.14 Waste collection and hauling 

6.4.14.1 Collection frequency 

Collection frequencies will be determined according to waste amount generated and that requires being 

collected. At the same time, according to the putrescent criteria, there are two large groups: putrescent 

waste and non-putrescent waste: 

Putrescent waste: organic waste and general waste mixture. A daily collection schedule will be 

established based on an established route. 

Non-putrescent waste: it mainly includes: paper and cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal. This waste 

will be collected every three days. 

6.4.14.2 Collection schedule 

Collection will be performed during daylight establishing a route that allows cleaning and waste collection 

crews to perform their tasks without interfering with the normal activities of the project’s staff. 

6.4.14.3 Collection routes 

Based on the developed characterization study, primary collection routes will be defined. These routes 

will have the central storage point as final destination. 



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6.4.14.4 External hauling 

Solid waste hauling outside the operation’s area will be performed by an EPS-RS or EC-RS duly 

registered with DIGESA. The EPS-RS or EC-RS will comply with the following requirements: 

Be registered with DIGESA to provide hazardous waste collection from industrial activities. 

Be registered with DIGESA to provide industrial hazardous waste hauling services. 

Have municipal approval to operate within the district of their registered center of operation. 

Have vehicles adequate for waste hauling. This vehicles will include safety devices such as: fire 

extinguishers, covered hoppers, radio equipment, among other. 

In the case of recyclable waste for marketing purposes, hauling will be performed by an EC-RS duly 

registered with DIGESA. According to current law these vehicles must include the following minimum 

characteristics: 

Material clearance, a minimum of 40 cm from the truck’s hopper height. 

Sealed hopper and gates to avoid spills. 

Hoppers covered with waterproof canvas in good shape, secured with steel cables and pre-rigged. 

6.4.14.4.1 Hazardous solid waste hauling 

A specialized collection and hauling company will be contracted to discard hazardous solid waste. This 

Contractor Company will be an EPS-RS registered with DIGESA. In the case of hazardous waste hauling 

the following will be taken into account: 

For hauling activities outside MYSRL’s facilities, the contractor will develop a Hazardous Solid Waste 

Management Manifest in compliance with Supreme Decree Nº 057-2004-PCM, which must be signed 

and stamped by the final disposal EPS-RS’ responsible technical area. 

MYSRL will deliver to the EPRS the original manifest signed by MYSRL and EPS-RS for each hauling 

movement or operation of hazardous waste. Every EPS-RS participating in hauling activities of this 

waste for treatment or final disposal purposes will sign the manifest in original at the moment of 

reception. 

MYSRL and the EPS-RS will keep their corresponding signed manifest at the moment of reception. 

Once the hauling EPS-RS delivers waste to the EPS-RS in charge of treatment of final disposal, it will 

return the original manifest signed and stamped by all EPS-RS intervening through its final disposal to 

MYSRL. 

MYSRL will forward to MEM during the first fifteen days of each month original manifests accumulated 

for the previous month, signed and stamped and in compliance with format of Appendix 2 of Supreme 

Decree Nº 057-2004-PCM. 

The MEM will send to DIGESA copy of information included in previous point fifteen days after its 

reception. 

The issuer or the EPS-RS or EC-RS, as applicable, will keep on file duly signed and sealed manifest 

copies for a period of five years. 

Finally, MYSRL shall file a Solid Waste Management Statement with the MEM during the first fifteen 

working days of each year in the form included in Appendix I of Supreme Decree Nº 057-2004-PCM, 

along with the PMRS that is estimated to be executed the following year. 

6.4.15 Waste final treatment and disposal 

6.4.15.1 Solid waste treatment 

According to the MYSRL’s reported management policies used to develop this document, solid waste will 

not be treated during the construction or operation stage. 

6.4.15.2 Solid waste final disposal 

Non-hazardous solid waste final disposal 



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Solid waste generated within the project will be hauled to the Yanacocha Waste Central Station located at 

km 39 (near La Quinua’s Coil # 1 at MYSRL’s facilities). A DIGESA approved EC-RS will be contracted 

for final disposal of recyclable waste. 

Final disposal will be performed at an approved manual sanitary landfill within MYSRL’s facilities. It is 

denominated manual sanitary landfill since manual labor predominates to perform their routine waste 

reception, dispersion, coverage, and compressing operations. 

Landfill planning, design, and implementation will comply with guidelines established by Newmont’s 

Environment Standard for waste management and OPS. Criteria developed by OPS are considered 

appropriated for this type of infrastructure within the Latin-American region. 

6.4.15.2.1 Hazardous solid waste final disposal 

Hazardous waste generated during the construction and operation stages, after its temporary storage, will 

be disposed by a Solid Residue Service Provider Company (EPS-RS in Spanish). 

Used oil and lubricants will be sent to the lime plant for reuse purposes or, otherwise, returned to the 

supplier for recycling purposes or to be sent to a recycling facility. Waste management will also be 

performed through an approved recyclable materials company (EC-RS). 

6.4.15.3 Awareness and training 

MYSRL will implement a worker training plan that includes MYSRL and contractor employees on waste 

type characteristics and identification, which will be destined to containers and specific temporary storage 

facilities. 

Staff training is critical to ensure that the plan is correctly applied during the project’s execution. All staff 

involved in the project will receive basic training on waste management and handling issues. At the same 

time, a specific training program will be developed for staff and contractors responsible of direct waste 

handling during storage, collection, hauling and final disposal activities. 

As additional training, employees in charge of hazardous waste management will be trained on potentially 

hazardous materials’ safe work practices, procedure identification and emergency procedures. Proper 

staff training will be required for an effective facility operation. 

MYSRL will develop training procedures for required training level and type for each tasks and how 

training will be performed. Training can be performed in several formats: from direct supervision at work 

to formal training classes. 

Training’s objective is to ensure that employees are competent on performing their tasks effectively and 

safely and how to respond to an emergency situation. Training will include the minimum following topics: 

safe work practices, hazard involved with waste being managed and internal and external emergency 

procedures. 

6.4.15.4 Review 

After the PMRS’s approval, a review, and update timeline will be developed. The review will be 

performed to evaluate if established management measures are technically feasible based on the specific 

conditions of the project’s activities and, if required, to include additional measures that were not officially 

included. 

Review will be performed monthly during the construction stage. Thereinafter, timeline may be extended 

and quarterly reviews established. 



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6.5 Erosion and Sediment Control Conceptual Plan 

Construction and earthworks activities and operations under aggressive conditions, such as heavy rain 

falls, soils very susceptible to erosion, and uneven topography, substantially increase the potential of soil 

erosion and sediment generation in upset areas. Hence, it is critical to have several erosion and 

sediment control strategies available to avoid an increment of unnecessary area exposure and an 

accelerated useful soil loss for revegetation and final closure purposes. At the same time, proper 

planning of construction activities must be taken into account such as earthworks scheduling during 

seasons of scarce rainfall. 

The plan’s main objective is to provide guidelines to avoid an unnecessary unprotected soil exposure and 

identify required materials and tools to reduce an accelerated soil loss during the facilities’ construction 

and operation stages part of the project. 

Other plan objectives are: 

Reduce sediment waste and dragging at upset areas during the construction stage. 

Establish maintenance and monitoring plan of implemented structures to reduce erosion and provide 

sediment catchment during the construction stage. 

Establish permanent supervision plan for infrastructure implemented during the construction stage, 

especially after significant rainfall events. 

Recommend erosion control structures for the project’s operation stage. 

MYSRL has a full erosion and sediment control program to reduce impacts on the ecosystem and water 

users downstream the project. The plan includes a total suspended solids (TSS) discharge control 

approach through the final stage of the project reducing sediment generation through erosion control best 

management practices (BMP). This practices limit hauling of intermediate sediment particles through 

TSS intermediate sediment control and controlling TSS discharge concentration at the project’s 

boundaries through sediment structures of considerable size (dams). 

To meet specific objectives at different stages, MYSRL’s erosion and sediment control plan is focused in 

three different stages, each with specific management actions. The first stage consists of source control 

BMPs limiting erosion applying water management tools, controlled upset, covers (blankets), barriers 

(bales, stones), and restoration and revegetation activities. The second stage consists of intermediate 

sediment control BMPs which reduces the load of sediments at dams through coils, rock containment 

dams, and sediment catchment. The third stage consists of controlling STS discharge concentration at 

dams, including settling, flocculation, and monitoring processes. 

The Conga project’s erosion and sediment control conceptual plan is inserted within the project’s source 

control, design and maintenance planning activities and TSS sediment and discharge control intermediate 

structure BMPs. Activities will be based on standard procedures, audits, monitoring, and continuous 

improvement programs. This design will be applied along with construction and maintenance of each 

control plan component. This plan includes MYSRL’s sediment control philosophy which was developed 

to outline proper tools and procedures to reduce erosion and sediment dragging events at the project’s 

facilities and to reduce an accelerated loss of soil. Details of this plan are included in Appendix 4.2 and 

its general guidelines are the following: 

Reduce contact water amount (water requiring specific management) by interception surface water 

without contact before entering the mine area or its mixture with contact water. 

Reduce sediment generation at the source by implementing strong BMPs during the construction and 

operation stages and actively recovering the project’s area during the operation stage. 

Collect and manage contact water, routing run-offs and drainage from the project’s facilities to a 

treatment system or project facilities that use water. 



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Specifically, the Surface Water and Sediment Management Plan (Appendix 4.2) include non-contact 

water diversion canals to limit the amount on non-contact water entering the facilities’ area. Additionally, 

contact water canals are included to collect water at different facilities and direct it towards sediment 

facilities, treatment plants, or use at different operational processes. 



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Section 7.0 - Social Management Plan 


The Social Management Plan (SMP) describes the guidelines of Minera Yanacocha S.R.L. (MYSRL) for 

an adequate management of its relationship with the communities in the area of influence within the 

framework of the Conga Project. Its purpose is to build a relationship based on mutual benefit, 

communication, transparency, respect, and mutual trust. 

The Social Management Plan (SMP) is elaborated in such a way as to guarantee that the benefits of the 

Conga Project are not restricted to its operating life, but rather beyond it, following a sustainability 

approach based on a clear understanding of the social context of the area of influence. Furthermore, this 

plan is consistent with the pursuit of well-being that MYSRL has, within the framework of Corporate Social 

Responsibility (CSR), towards the surrounding communities. This involves prevention and mitigation of 

negative impacts arising from the project, enhancement of positive impacts, and social investment 

pursuant to established lines of action. 

Thus, the social responsibility of the company is not restricted to an ethical basis but involves also a 

practical commitment, as mentioned in this plan. 

7.2 Objectives 

7.2.1 General Objective 

To properly manage the relationships among population, company and government, who should be 

understood as strategic partners for the local sustainable development. 

7.2.2 Specific Objectives 

To direct programs and projects undertaken by the company, which are part of the concerted 

development plans, towards the sustainable development of the area of influence and improvement of 

the population’s quality of life. 

To contribute to a relationship of respect and mutual trust among the company, communities and 

different agents present in the area of influence of the project. 

To avoid and mitigate negative socio-economic impacts arising from the Conga Project, as well as to 

enhance positive impacts. 

To socially legitimize programs and projects that are part of the Social Management Plan (SMP) by 

efficiently incorporating the population of the area of influence, its authorities and organizations into the 

monitoring of these programs and projects. 

To promote the establishment of mechanisms that allow fluid, convenient and appropriate 

communication between the population and the company, considering their different customs and social 

context. 

7.3 Methodology 

The description and justification of strategies and guidelines that will guide the relationship between the 

company and the population of the area of influence of the Conga Project to achieve the proposed 

specific objectives are defined around four plans aligned with each of the aforementioned objectives: the 

Social Impact Management Plan, the Community Relationships Plan, the Social and Environmental 

Participatory Monitoring Plan and the Social Communication Plan. 

7.3.1 Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) 

This plan describes the prevention, mitigation and compensation measures for negative impacts and the 

enhancement measures for positive impacts arising from the project development, whether directly or as 

collateral effects. Thus, its application is mainly directed towards the area of direct influence (ADI) of the 

Conga Project according to the identified environmental and socio-economic criteria. The purpose of the 

mitigation measures herein described is to reduce or eliminate negative impacts that might arise; being 

able to even improve the initial condition of the population and not just leaving it in the same condition as 



7-1

it was before the beginning of the Conga Project. Following this trend, the purpose of the enhancement 

measures for positive impacts is to create an environment that benefits and increases the positive effects 

of the project, and thus to benefit the largest possible number of people. Hence, impact management 

measures were designed taking into account a deep analysis of impacts of the Conga Project, as well as 

the socio-economic characteristics of the ADI. 

7.3.2 Community Relationships Plan (CRP) 

Comprises the description and analysis of the lines of action encouraged by the company within the 

framework of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This lines were designed in such a way that they 

reflect the short, medium and long-term strategic vision of the company in order to contribute to the 

sustainable development of the area of influence. 

The Community Relationships Plan (Plan de Relaciones Comunitarias, PRC) responds to a 

comprehensive analysis of the problems in the area and takes into consideration both the population’s 

perception about the main problems it faces and the statistic analysis of information taken from primary 

and secondary sources studied in the social baseline presented. Likewise, the social role of MYSRL is 

considered in a context based on reports and interviews provided by the company. 

7.3.3 Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) 

Its purpose is to generate trust and credibility in the social environment of the project by implementing a 

set of tools that will make social practices of the project transparent in all its stages. It also aims to 

promptly identify room for improvement in the management of this practices, guaranteeing the 

achievement of the proposed objectives in each social practice. The Social and Environmental 

Participatory Monitoring Plan (Plan de Monitoreo Participativo Ambiental Social, SEPMP) responds to an 

analysis of local reality, putting an emphasis on cultural aspects, since different programs are designed to 

guarantee that the monitoring process is participatory and transparent. 

7.3.4 Social Communication Plan (SCP) 

Its purpose is to guarantee transparency in activities developed by the Conga Project and thus to 

strengthen the population’s credibility and trust towards the project. Hence, the Social Communication 

Plan (Plan de Comunicación Social, PCS) considers informing the population involved in the area of 

influence of the Conga Project in a clear, appropriate and effective manner by promoting dialogue and 

conflict prevention. The Social Communication Plan (SCP) responds to a detailed evaluation of the main 

communication problems at a national and international level, which makes it possible to establish the 

plan objectives, identify the target public and establish the communication strategies and activities to be 

implemented. 

7.4 Principles 

The strategies and actions undertaken by the company to achieve the social development of its area of 

influence, and which are explicitly described in the Social Management Plan (SMP), rely on four main 

principles: 

7.4.1 Promotion of Sustainable Development 

Sustainability is understood as the extension, beyond the useful life of the project, of social and economic 

development processes elaborated in each strategy of the Social Management Plan (SMP). These 

strategies deal with social problems from two fronts: social investment in economic and service 

infrastructure (communication routes, electricity, educational centers, health centers, irrigation canals, 

etc.) and investment in human capital (business training, market insertion, development of production 



7-2

systems, etc.). Both of them are essential to increase the well-being 99 of the population of the area of 

influence of the Conga Project. 

7.4.2 Co-participation 

Comprises the inclusion of local people, their representatives, the community, and local authorities in the 

design, monitoring, and evaluation of social programs in all their stages, consolidating a transparent 

process in which rendering accounts will be a constant characteristic. 

7.4.3 Shared Social Responsibilities 

These are reflected through a joint action between MYSRL and the population of the area of influence of 

the Conga Project in order to achieve local sustainable development. Following this trend, the objective 

is that beneficiaries adopt programs or projects to be carried out as their own and, consequently, the roles 

and responsibilities they will assume should be executed in an active way. They will stop being simple 

study objects to become subjects of social change and transformation instead. 

7.4.4 Dynamic and Concerted Planning 

The plans described herein are developed within the framework of a dynamic process that is constantly 

assessed and that facilitates the conducting of permanent changes and adjustments to efficiently improve 

the achievement of its goals. In this regard, monitoring is of great importance, because it generates the 

necessary adjustments to be made in the proposed plans: to redirect activities or strategies that are 

inefficient in achieving objectives and to reapply those that are efficient. This dynamics leads to a 

constant learning process during the implementation and execution of all the plans included in the Social 

Management Plan (SMP). 

Based on the described principles, the elaboration of the Social Management Plan (SMP) follows a longterm 

approach that, in addition to contributing to the population’s sustainable development, benefits the 

implementation of the Social Impact Management Plan (Plan de Manejo de Impactos Sociales, SIMP) of 

the project regarding the prevention and reduction of possible negative impacts and the enhancement or 

maximization of positive impacts. However, even though the fact that it is a long-term approach, in the 

short term it is feasible and necessary to achieve successful results regarding the population’s well-being 

in order to guarantee political and social support of the Social Management Plan (SMP), in general, and 

specifically of the project. Therefore, the scope of this plan is oriented towards the attainment of positive 

social and economic effects throughout and after the life of the project. 

7.5 Social Management Commitment Statement 

The commitments involved in each plan, program, project, and policy of the Social Management Plan 

(SMP) are compatible with the vision and mission of the community relationships department of MYSRL 

and, as a consequence, reflect the business vision and mission of the Company. 

7.5.1 Vision 

Socially, the development and execution of the Conga Project adhere to the business vision of MYSRL. 

This vision is summarized in the phrase “creating social value in each ounce”, which means that the 

company’s production derives from a concerted, participatory and transparent social process that 

contributes to the sustainable development of the area of influence of the company. 

99 Well-being refers to a positive physical, mental, or social state arising from the possession of social goods and the relationships 

with other individuals. Tis requires satisfaction of basic needs, having sense of purpose, and feeling capable of achieving important 

personal goals and participating in society. It is composed of conditions that include good personal relationships, participation in the 

community, good physical and financial health, satisfactory job and a positive environment (Steuer, 2008). 



7-3

In order to be consistent with the business vision, the vision of the community relationships department of 

MYSRL is to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with the local population which, through 

mutual trust, increases the levels of credibility and transparency of each project and program to be 

implemented, for its local development. This makes a proactive intervention of the company possible 

based on a permanent communication that respects cultural diversity and follows the pursuit of shared 

benefits. 

7.5.2 Mission 

The mission of MYSRL, from a social point of view, consists of providing sustainable development 

processes that can go beyond the useful life of the projects. Following this trend, the mission of the 

community relationships department consists in being an efficient articulator of the relationships between 

the company and the population of the company’s area of influence, benefiting the execution of activities 

that strengthen the population’s local capacities set forth in socially responsible policies. 

7.6 Strategic Alliances for Social Management 

The social management undertaken by MYSRL, reflected in specific programs and projects directed 

towards the sustainable development of its area of influence, is conducted through strategic alliances that 

fulfill two functions: (1) to direct necessary resources to third parties in charge of executing specific 

projects or programs, and (2) to implement the projects or programs based on tangible objectives. 

In general, MYSRL will only finance or execute projects or programs through strategic allies, not directly. 

The community relationships department of MYSRL is in charge of planning, with strategic allies, social 

investments to be made and, in turn, the allies are in charge of making such proposals viable. 

Currently, there are two important strategic allies that make the implementation of projects and programs 

of economic and social development feasible through the use of the Cajamarca Solidarity Fund (Fondo 

Solidaridad Cajamarca) and the Los Andes de Cajamarca Association (La Asociación Los Andes de 

Cajamarca); furthermore, the credit fund for agroforestry development. 

7.6.1 Los Andes de Cajamarca Association (ALAC) 

This is a corporate entity belonging to MYSRL whose commitment is to contribute to the sustainable 

development of Cajamarca by boosting the development of corporate and institutional capacities to 

improve the population’s well-being. In this regard, it encourages the use of the production base that 

might potentially create economic activities that generate added value (agricultural, forestry, touristic and 

mining resources) through the financing of programs or projects executed by third parties. In practice, it 

works as a “development” NGO (entity that lends resources to other NGOs or institutions). 

ALAC works following six strategic objectives: (1) to boost institutional strength to improve leadership and 

collective actions of development and community-based organizations, as well as subnational (regional) 

government institutions, (2) to contribute to the improvement of quality and equity of education and health 

in Cajamarca by mobilizing corporate and public talents and resources, (3) to contribute to the 

development of business capacities with social responsibility in sectors with competitive and market 

potential, within the rural and urban environment of Cajamarca, (4) to influence social actors and 

decision-makers to prioritize investments in basic infrastructure projects for development, (5) to promote 

an excellent management of relationships with the interest groups, and (6) to effectively and efficiently 

manage the resources of ALAC and projects on request. 

7.6.2 Agroforestry Development Credit Fun (FONCREAGRO) 

This institution focuses its activities on the improvement of cattle production in the area of influence of 

MYSRL, because cattle farming is one of the main economic activities of Cajamarca, significant dairy 

region, and it requires new and better techniques to optimize production. 



7-4

The programs executed by the Agroforestry Development Credit Fun (Fondo de Crédito para el 

Desarrollo Agroforestal, FONCREAGRO) focus on three specific areas: (1) genetics improvement, (2) 

health improvement, and (3) nutrition improvement. These areas are complemented with the diffusion of 

handling and management techniques through an intensive training and a support program to obtain 

credits and financing. 

7.7 Community Relationships Plan (CRP) 


The Community Relationships Plan (CRP) describes the lines of action MYSRL has with respect to the 

community of the area of influence of the Conga Project. Following this trend, the Community 

Relationships Plan (PRC) identifies and describes the most important actions of social investment 

directed towards the improvement of the quality of life of the population of the area of influence. Likewise, 

the plan is the result of a process of mutual agreements that are still in force and involve the company 

and the population; as a result, the plan serves as a way to create synergy for the optimal implementation 

of the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP), the Social Communication Plan (SCP) and the Social and 

Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP). Therefore, the Community Relationships Plan 

(CRP) constitutes a support for the social sustainability within the Conga Project environment. 

The application of the Community Relationships Plan (CRP) is carried out in the area of direct influence 

(ADI) and area of indirect influence (AII) of the Conga Project. In the ADI, the company works directly in 

the 11 hamlets comprising this area. In the AII, it works directly in 21 hamlets and it works indirectly, 

through district and province municipalities, in the remaining area. 

The lines of action described in the Community Relationships Plan (CRP) serve as guidelines for the 

management of projects, programs and/or policies which will be developed along with the community. 

Likewise, they provide a clear idea of the nature of projects and programs that are currently being carried 

out and of the ones that will be in the future. Furthermore, in the description of the lines of action, the 

reasons why their promotion is of vital importance for the local development, the objectives they pursue, 

and the strategies to be implemented for the achievement of those objectives are explained. 

Therefore, the Community Relationships Plan (CRP) is in line with a consistent short, medium, and longterm 

social policy. 

7.7.2 Objective 

To promote sustainable development processes in the area of influence of the Conga Project. 

7.7.3 Methodology 

The methodology for the elaboration of the Community Relationships Plan (CRP) is divided into two 

specific stages: (1) diagnosis of local problems and (2) subsequent design of the lines of action 

contributing to the solution of the identified problems. 

7.7.4 Diagnosis of Local Problems 

This diagnosis is the result of a deep analysis that comprises the analysis of the primary and secondary 

socio-economic information of the area of influence of the company, as well as the population’s 

perception of local problems, and the company’s competencies and experience in social development 

management. 

In this stage, the “problem tree” technique is used to identify the main economic and social problems 

faced by the area of influence. This technique is a useful tool that makes it possible to recognize, through 

cause and effect chains, the sequence of problems that affect the population of the study area and the 

consequences arising from them. With this, it is possible to distinguish with great accuracy which 

problems require priority attention because they are a central cause of other low-level problems, and 

which problems are secondary. Identifying the central problem incorporates the desktop analysis of the 

baseline information according to four key aspects: the scale of the problem (quantity or percentage of 



7-5

affected population), problem severity, affected areas, and characteristics of the affected population 

(demographical, economic, and cultural aspects) (Águila, Moya y Becerra, 2009). The problems found 

are grouped into specific sectors for a subsequent detailed diagnosis per sectors. 

7.7.5 Lines of Action Design 

Based on the diagnosis of the previous stage, the purpose of designing lines of actions is to give 

solutions to the central problems of each sector. However, the beneficial effects of each line of action can 

go beyond the limits of the sector for which they were established, since the problems of the area of 

influence show common roots in several cases (e.g. health and nutritional deficiencies of child population 

results in a low learning capacity; as a consequence, there are increased rates of school dropout and low 

academic performance, and for the adult population, the effects are reflected in low work productivity). 

Pursuant to the regulations, the lines of actions set forth in the Community Relationships Plan (CRP) 

respect the basic principles given by the Energy and Mining Sector, in relation to the Supreme Decree 

No. 042-2003-EM, which aims at consolidating the relationship between the company and the 

communities of the company’s area of influence by having the company act as an entity that promotes 

social development. 

Finally, the lines of actions are described emphasizing the reasons why their particular promotion is of 

vital importance for local development, the objectives they pursue, and the strategies to be implemented 

for the achievement of such objectives. Likewise, the schedule and tentative investment amount are 

specified. It is important to mention that not all the lines and sub-lines of action will be necessarily 

implemented in the 32 hamlets. Depending on the content of the concerted development plans and 

agreements reached with each hamlet, the lines and sub-lines of action that are the most appropriate in 

each case will be determined. 

Proceeding in this way allows the social investment decisions to be aligned with the population and local 

government objectives, making the Community Relationships Plan (CRP) socially legitimated and its 

benefits sustainable. Following this trend, while MYSRL is in the process of elaborating the agreements 

of social investment, the implementation schedule and investment amounts of the lines of action will be 

associated to the specific agreements reached by those who are not involved in this study. This 

information, as well as the reached agreements will be reflected in the Social Responsibility Statement of 

the company within the framework of the Supreme Decree No. 042-2003-EM. 

7.7.6 Diagnosis of Local Problems 

The analysis of local problems, from a social point of view, is summarized in a diagnosis per sector of the 

rural ADI and AII; in other words, a baseline analysis was performed in 32 hamlets of the Specific Area of 

Study (Área de Estudio Específico, SSA) of the Conga Project. According to the problems found in the 

social baseline analysis, briefly presented in the problem tree (Graph 7.7.1), the diagnosis development 

of the local problems was structured according to three sectors: education, health, and employment and 

income. 

The problem tree shown in Graph 7.7.1 shows a circular form, since the circular nature of poverty is 

recognized. Thus, the analysis of local problems focuses mainly on structural causes that generate the 

three central problems of each sector under analysis: low level of home education, high incidence of 

disease, and insufficient level of income to leave the vicious poverty cycle. 

After a detailed description of each sector, the lines of action to be boosted by MYSRL within the 

framework of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for the Conga Project are identified. 

The elaboration of the diagnosis per sectors responds to an analysis that includes, in addition to the 

statistical information of socio-economic nature, a deep study of the population’s perception regarding the 

local problems that, at their discretion, affect them the most. 



7-6

7.7.6.1 Educational Problems 

Education problems in the rural ADI and AII of the Conga Project are focused on the low level of home 

education, which is reflected in high rates of illiteracy, a reduced academic achievement of the heads of 

the family, and a high rate of school dropout and grade retention. The low level of home education 

generates, as a consequence, a greater difficulty to leave the vicious poverty cycle in which a large 

portion of the population of the ADI and AII is trapped. 

Regarding the rates of illiteracy, the baseline analysis shows that 28.9percent of the population older than 

15 years living in the rural ADI and AII of the Conga Project is illiterate and, additionally, the genre 

characteristics show a disadvantaged reality for the female population, whose illiteracy rate amounts to 

43.3percent compared to a rate of 13.5percent in the male population. In relation to the head of the 

family’s academic achievement, it is observed that only 15.9percent of the household heads have 

reached some level of education higher than elementary school. Likewise, 15.4percent of the household 

heads don’t have any level of education. 

In relation to the school-age population (between 3 and 16 years old), 26.1percent is not enrolled in any 

educational center, which shows the lack of incentives of the families to enroll their children. This fact 

plus the limited economic conditions result in a high rate of school dropout which is mainly seen at high 

school level (age in which students have higher physical capacities to collaborate in their families’ work or 

production activity). Therefore, the percentage of enrolled students who drop out of school is 6.3percent 

in elementary school, and goes up to10.2percent in high school. 

It is possible to distinguish the following structural causes or factors of the low level of home education: 

(1) inadequate coverage of educational centers, (2) inadequate infrastructure for the learning of children, 

and (3) limited socio-economic conditions of the family unit to support the learning processes of the family 

members. These last two factors reflect the inter-sector nature of the educational problem, since health 

conditions, levels of education of the family parents, level of poverty at home, among other factors, can 

be equally or more important than the factors of supply (coverage) indicated when identifying problem 

causes. So, the inadequate physical preparation for the learning of children is related to the low nutrition 

levels and, in general, to the health conditions of the population. On the other hand, socio-economic 

conditions of the family are related to the low level of education of the parents, low income levels and 

some cultural aspects. The evidence of these factors will be detailed in the analysis of health, and 

employment and income sectors, as appropriate. 

Regarding the educational supply, it is important to mention that out of the 32 hamlets belonging to the 

rural ADI and AII, only 28 hamlets have educational centers. The hamlets belonging to the Huasmín 

district have more than half of the total number of these centers (25 out of 40 educational centers). On 

the contrary, the hamlets of the district of La Encañada only have 6 educational centers, and only one of 

them offers high school. 

The educational problem, as abovementioned, is not only related to a limited supply of educational 

centers, but also to the fact that there is not enough qualified personnel to teach. Out of the total number 

of schools, 23.8percent work with one teacher and, as a consequence, the proportion of multigrade 

schools amounts to 35.7percent. The lack of an adequate training of teachers also impacts on the 

existence of inadequate pedagogical processes, with an approach far from the local reality. 

Regarding the infrastructure of educational centers of the rural ADI and AII, there are serious deficiencies 

out of the 40 educational centers; only 9 have access to potable water, most of them located in the 

hamlets of the Huasmín district. Most of the educational centers of the rural ADI and AII are used to use 

non-potable tap water (25 educational centers) and a reduced amount (3 educational centers) has to go 

to wells to access this resource. 

Access to toilets does not differ to a great extend from access to potable water. Most of the educational 

centers use latrines (29 educational centers), a lower number of centers use cesspits (9 educational 



7-7

centers), and only one has access to the public network. The last one is located in one of the hamlets of 

the Huasmín district. 

Access to electric lighting also shows the lack of infrastructure. More than half of the educational centers 

do not have access to the public lightning network (23 educational centers). This situation forces the 

educational centers to operate in the morning, while the sun shines. Once again, the educational centers 

belonging to the hamlets of the Huasmín district are in a higher level than the others, since 11 out of the 

25 educational centers there have access to the electric lightning public network. 

The material used in the construction of educational centers is generally adobe or rammed earth. There 

are a reduced number of educational centers with brick walls. This reflects the obviously precarious 

conditions of the educational institutions of the rural ADI and AII of the Conga Project. 

In regard to the equipment of the educational centers, the limited availability of desks represents a latent 

problem in more than 50percent of the educational centers, in addition to the lack of blackboards, which is 

a problem that also affects the educational centers of the hamlets of the Huasmín district, where 17 out of 

their 25 educational centers do not have blackboards. On the other hand, 34 out of 40 educational 

centers do not have a library with an appropriate environment. 

The perceptions of the population of the rural ADI and AII regarding the educational situation reflect the 

existence of the aforementioned problems. The baseline of the SSA of the Conga Project shows that, 

generally, and not only at an educational level, most part of the population feels that the living conditions 

at home have not changed in the twelve months prior to the census application (62 percent). Only 

18percent state that their situation has improved over the last year and 20 percent think that the living 

conditions at home have worsened. Regarding education, 47 percent of the population of the SSA states 

that the quality of teaching at schools in their town is average, 32 percent states that it’s good, and 

6percent states that it is poor or very poor. Only 1 percent of the population states that the quality of 

teaching is very good. 

Likewise, the survey about expectations and image of the Conga Project carried out by IPSOS-APOYO in 

November 2007 in the districts of Huasmín, Sorochuco and La Encañada shows that 41percent of the 

total respondents indicated that the lack of support to education is one of the main problems they faced. 

Furthermore, 42 percent of respondents indicated that supporting education is an important action their 

town needs, and 19 percent hope that more schools will be built. 

MYSRL, within the scope of its social responsibility and facing the problems described, has performed a 

series of actions in order to encourage the improvement of the education quality of the rural ADI and AII 

of the Conga Project. These actions include active participation through contributions and collaborations 

(e.g. implementation of libraries in educational centers) in the execution of the “Educational Emergency” 

project undertaken by the Cajamarca Solidarity Fund, the Regional Government of Cajamarca, and the 

Province Municipality of Cajamarca. 

Likewise, MYSRL plays an important role in the “Building Successful Schools” project implemented by the 

Peruvian Institute of Business Administration (Instituto Peruano de Administración Empresarial, IPAE) 

with the participation of Entrepreneurs for Education (Empresarios por la Educación, ExE), ALAC, 

Cajamarca Solidarity Fund, Municipality of Cajamarca and the Regional Government of Cajamarca. In 

order to extend the beneficial effects of these projects and resolve some educational problems not yet 

addressed, MYSRL proposes the promotion of a line of action exclusively oriented towards the 

educational environment, which will be described in detail in the next section. 

Chart 7.7.1 shows the diagnosis summary of the educational sector in the rural ADI and AII of the Conga 

Project. 

Chart 7.7.1 



7-8

Population Perception 

32percent of the SSA 

inhabitants believe that the 

education quality is good and 

only 1percent considers that it is 

very good. 

19percent of the interviewees 

expect the construction of better 

schools. 


consider that the lack of support 

to education is one of the main 

problems of their town. 


state that one important project 

needed by their town is the 

support of education. 

Diagnosis of the education sector 

Statistical Evidence 

High rates of illiteracy: 29percent of the population above 15 years old 

is illiterate, mainly women. 

Infrastructure in precarious conditions (limited access to water, 

bathrooms and electric lighting): Out of a total of 40 educational 

centers, 9 have access to a public water network, 1 is connected to the 

public drainage network and only 13 have access to electric lighting. 

Reduced coverage of teaching staff: Out of a total of 40 education 

centers, 11 are multiple subject teaching and 20 are multi-grade. 

Low academic performance and poor teaching process: Out of all the 

students enrolled in 2009, 7.9percent failed the academic year and 

6.9percent formally withdrew from the educational center. 

Insufficient equipment at the education centers: Out of a total of 40 

education centers, 23 have an insufficient number of desks, 26 show 

an insufficient number of boards, 11 have at least 1 computer, and 

only 6 have a library in an independent room. 

Source: Survey of the Conga Project Image, November 2007, IPSOS-APOYO. Baseline of the Specific Study Area of the Conga 


7.7.6.2 The Health Problem 

The health problem in the ADI and rural AII of the Conga Project refers mainly to the high rate of 

diseases, which can be observed through the high rates of morbidity, increased presence of respiratory 

and diarrheal diseases, especially in the child population, and high rates of chronic malnutrition, also 

present in the child population. 

In this regard, the morbidity is concerning in the ADI and rural AII households of the Conga Project. 

According to the information of the baseline pertaining to the SSA, when asked if there had been at least 

one sick person in their house within the last 15 days, 42.3 percent of the total households stated having 

had a sick person in this period. The highest percentage was obtained in the hamlets of the district of La 

Encañada (46.9 percent). 

In the case of the child population, the most common health problems are the respiratory and diarrheal 

infections. Within the framework of the ADI and rural AII, almost half of the children under 5 suffer from 

acute respiratory illnesses (44.5 percent). This problem is bigger in the hamlets of the district of La 

Encañada. In respect to the diarrheal diseases, the condition of the disease is delicate in 10 percent of 

the children under 5, since the diarrhea was classified as severe (with dehydration) in most cases. These 

health problems in the child population are aggravated with the presence of chronic malnutrition in 42.6 

percent of the children under 5 and anemia in 38.4 percent. 



7-9

The causes of these problems can be summarized as follows: (1) inadequate coverage and presence of 

health centers, (2) deficient practice of good hygiene habits, (3) unawareness of dietary guidelines, and 

(4) inadequate disposal of stools. 

The perceptions of the population provide clear evidence for the causes of the inadequate coverage of 

the health centers, which include the reduced number of health centers, limited equipment, shortage of 

medical supplies, under-qualified health personnel, lack of access to basic services, inappropriate 

infrastructure of the health centers, and limited access to health insurances. In this regard, the baseline 

of the SSA of the Conga Project indicates that 64 percent of the interviewees stated that their town does 

not count with health centers or offices. Consequently, only 36 percent of the population has health 

centers or offices because, in the SSA, there are only 6 health facilities: Jerez Health Office, Santa Rosas 

de Huasmín Health Office, La Chorrera Health Office, El Alumbre Health Office, Combayo Health Office, 

and San Juan de Yerbabuena Health Office. On top of that, out of the inhabitants that do have certain 

type of health service at their disposal, only 1 percent stated that the quality of care was very good, 45 

percent considered that it was good, 44 percent that it was fair, and 7 percent that it was poor. Likewise, 

the survey carried out by IPSOS-APOYO in November of 2007 in the districts of Huasmín, Sorochuco and 

La Encañada shows that 44 percent of the interviewees believe that one of the main problems faced by 

their town is the lack of health centers, and that 50 percent of the interviewees point out that an important 

work their town needs is the construction of health centers. 

In addition to the limited number of health centers, the equipment in this centers is not well conserved; 

only 38 percent is. This is partly because almost half of the equipment is more than 5 year olds, and 

12percent is even older than 10 years. 

The problems are not only related to the equipment, they also include infrastructure issues. There are 

deficiencies in the access to utilities such as electric power, water, and drainage. In addition to this, the 

phone service is not available and the protection and security conditions are precarious. 

The poor hygiene habits are the result of a reduced knowledge of health education and disease 

prevention, as well as a low level of education on the matter. The low levels of nutrition arise from the 

lack of knowledge and adequate practices, low levels of food safety, and low family income. Finally, the 

inadequate characteristics of the households, including the access to utilities, also contribute to the 

increased presence of diseases in the population of the ADI and rural AII. 

MYSRL, considering the abovementioned situation and problems, and in the framework of its social 

responsibility, has taken actions to help reduce the health problems faced by the ADI and rural AII 

population of the Conga Project. Thus, as part of its actions, it will provide equipment to the health offices 

of San Juan de Hierbabuena, Chorrera and Santa Rosa de Huasmín. Furthermore, it has signed an 

agreement of inter-institutional cooperation and strengthening with the regional government of Cajamarca 

and the regional bureau of health of Cajamarca to improve the attention capacity of the health offices. 

In regard to child malnutrition, MYSRL has an active participation in the Child Malnutrition Reduction 

Project (Proyecto de Reducción de la Desnutrición Infantil, PREDECI), which is carried out together with 

the Regional Government of Cajamarca and the Regional Bureau of Health of Cajamarca. 

Chart 7.7.2 shows the summary of the health sector analysis in the ADI and rural AII of the Conga 


Chart 7.7.2 

Diagnosis of the health sector 



7-10



expect the construction of new 

medical offices or hospitals. 


consider that the lack of health 

centers is one of the main 

problems of their town. 


state that one important project 

needed by their town is the 

construction of health centers. 


High rates of morbidity: 41percent of households had at least one sick 

person within the previous 15 days. 

Anemia in pregnant women: 42percent of pregnant women have 

anemia (29.2percent is mild anemia and 12.5percent is moderate 

anemia). 

High incidence of diseases in child population: 44.5percent of children 

under 5 suffer from acute respiratory infections and 10percent of 

diarrhea. The percentage of chronic malnutrition in this group is 

42.6percent, while the percentage of severe chronic malnutrition is 

14.3percent. 

Basic infrastructure is in precarious conditions (limited access to 

water, bathrooms, and electric lighting): Out of a total of 6 health 

facilities, 4 have power supply, 5 have water service and only 1 has a 

drainage system. 

Infrastructure of emerging communication: Out of a total of 6 health 

centers, none of them possesses phone service, community center or 

internet; and they only communicate through radio systems. 

Lack of security systems: Out of a total of 6 health facilities, none of 

them has ramps for disabled people, signals, evacuation areas for 

disasters, safety areas or a perimeter fence. 

Poor preservation of equipment (clinical and sanitation equipment, 

medical equipment, laboratory and complementary equipment, and 

office furniture): Only 38percent is well conserved. 



7.7.6.3 Employment and Income Problem 

The employment and income problem in the ADI and rural AII of the Conga Project is mainly related to 

the reduced levels of income. 

The most important sources of income of the study population, by order of priority, are: dependent work, 

agricultural activities, and property lease. The revenues of these sources have remarkable differences 

that suppose high rates of inequality. In the case of the dependent activities, 11.2percent of the EAP that 

performs this work for a living earns an average income of 403 nuevos soles per month. On the other 

hand, the agricultural activities, which provide the maintenance for 50.7percent of the EAP, generate a 

smaller income, barely reaching 204 nuevos soles per month. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that 

many of the people that belong to the EAP carry out more than one economic activity; therefore, the 

income average could be greater. 



7-11

The findings of the income levels could be explained by (1) the level of the productivity of activities such 

as agriculture and cattle raising, (2) the low level of business training, (3) the reduced bargaining power of 

the families, and (4) the reduced access to profitable markets. 

This is intensified by the lack of education of the family members, shown in the high rates of illiteracy. 

Thus, the increase in the necessary income to leave the vicious circle of poverty in which this population 

is trapped has to solve problems that go beyond the production activity training (in order to increase the 

employability) and include health, education and nutrition issues. 

The low level of productivity of the agricultural activities is associated to low levels of production and high 

production costs. In both cases, the causes are mainly the limited production infrastructure, the reduced 

technical skills, the low technological level, and the limited financial support. 

The absence of business skills by the inhabitants also explains the low productivity of the economic 

activities. This is due to the lack of an adequate training and the only incipient development of a culture 

focused on business management. The low bargaining power of the families and the lack of access to 

more profitable markets exist, partly, because of the only incipient development of business skills and the 

low level of associativity in the area; therefore, it is not possible to have a mass production to satisfy 

greater demand nor the constant flow of relevant information about markets, new technologies, suppliers, 

financing, among other important aspects to improve the productivity and competitiveness. The nonexistence 

of collective learning spaces is another major barrier that prevents the economic growth of the 

people living in the ADI and in the rural AII of the Conga Project. 

Finally, considering that the agricultural activities have the greatest impact in the employment of the ADI 

and rural AII population of the Conga Project, it should be kept in mind that, in the case of agriculture, 

only one small part of the crops is sold, while most of them are used for self-consumption. This shows 

that the market has an incipient development in these areas. 

In regard to the population’s perceptions, the baseline of the SSA of the Conga Project shows that the 

agricultural units consider that their main problems regarding the agricultural production are low 

production (89 percent), scarcity of water (61 percent) and low technology (60 percent). Likewise, the 

survey, carried out by IPSOS-APOYO in November 2007 in the districts of Huasmín, Sorochuco and La 

Encañada, reveals that 46 percent of the interviewees expect that greater support be given to agriculture, 

38percent expect that sown fields be improved, and 36 percent expect that support be given to cattle 

raising. According to 63 percent of the interviewees, the lack of support to agriculture is one of the main 

issues that their towns face. This fact explains why they clearly request its development. 

MYSRL has been carrying out a series of actions with the purpose of increasing the productivity of the 

inhabitants of the ADI and rural AII of the Conga Project. The highlights among these actions are the 

agreements of institutional cooperation with FONCREAGRO aimed at the following matters: producer 

training to increase milk production, improvement of grasslands, genetic improvement, and animal health. 

Agreements with the municipality of Celendín have also been reached with respect to the national 

program for the development of the non-industrial offer, and with the Los Andes de Cajamarca 

association (ALAC) for the execution of social development projects: rural business development- 

UNICAS, small production projects, business service centers, instruction of local small and medium sized 

companies, among others. These projects are financed jointly by the mining fund of solidarity, FUNDER 

COFIDE, the Inter-American Foundation (IAF), etc. 

Chart 7.7.3 presents the summary of the employment and income analysis in the ADI and rural AII of the 

Conga Project. 

Chart 7.7.3 

Diagnosis of employment and income 



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89 percent of the SSA population 

considers that the main problem 

regarding the agricultural 

production is low production, 61 

percent believes that the main 

problem is the scarceness of 

water, and 60percent thinks it is 

low technology. 

14 percent of the interviewees 

state that agriculture contributes a 

lot to the development of their 

town; the percentage for cattle 

raising is similar. (No other 

category reached a higher 

percentage on this regard). 


expect that more support be given 

to agriculture, 38percent expect 

that sown fields be improved, and 

36percent expect that support be 

given to cattle raising. 


consider that the lack of support to 

agriculture is one of the main 

problems faced by their town. 


indicate that an important project 

needed by their town is to provide 

support to agriculture. 


Reduced income level: The agricultural activities make up the 

livelihood of 50.7 percent of the EAP; they generate an income of 

204 nuevos soles per month, on average. 

High degree of income dispersion: The family income of the 5 th 

quintile is 20.7 higher than the one of the first quintile. 

The income is invested more in subsistence than in productive 

activities: Families allocate 70 percent of their income to food; 

50percent of the producers spend less than 160 nuevos soles per 

year in their production activities related to agriculture; and 

50percent of the producers spend less than 110 nuevos soles per 

year in agricultural activities. 

Low education levels: Two thirds of the EAP have reached a 

primary level education. 

Poor training: Only 2 percent of the population aged 14 or above 

has been trained for a job or occupation. 

Poor technical assistance for agricultural activities: 98.8 percent of 

producers do not receive technical support. 

Limited access to financing: Only 5.5 percent of household heads 

requested credit during the previous year. 

Precarious irrigation systems: 88.3 percent of the plots use rain 

irrigation, 12.2 percent employ gravity irrigation and 3.5 percent use 

technical irrigation. 

Main problems affecting the agricultural production according to the 

producers: low production (85 percent of producers), water 

scarceness (58.3 percent), low technology (57.3 percent), and lack 

of credit (44.7 percent). 



7.7.7 Lines of Action 

The lines and sub-lines of action that will be promoted by MYSRL, within the framework of Corporate 

Social Responsibility (CSR), to contribute to the sustainable development of the area of influence of the 

Conga Project are shown in Chart 7.7.4 and detailed below. This lines of action have been established 

considering the main problems found in the local analysis previously presented. They work as a 

framework of action to define the type of actions that are feasible in each hamlet. Depending on the 

content of the agreed development plans and the agreements reached with each hamlet, a set of projects 

of this framework of action will be implemented so that the decisions of social investment match the 

objectives of the local governments and population, turning the Community Relations Plan socially 

realistic and its benefits sustainable. Following that same line, while MYSRL is in the process of 

establishing the agreements on social investment, the implementation schedule and the investment 



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amounts of the lines of action will be associated to the specific reached agreements; that is why they are 

not presented in this study. This information, as well as the reached agreements, will be reflected in the 

statement of Corporate Social Responsibility within the framework of the Supreme Decree No. 042-2003- 

EM. As a reference, the following amounts were invested in the past three years: 1,395,196.8 (2007), 

3,248,523.9 (2008) and 235,765.4 (as of June 2009). 

Chart 7.7.4 

Lines and sub-lines of action of the Community Relations Plan (PRC) 

Lines of Action Sub-lines of Action 

Infrastructure and Basic Services 

for Development 

Economic Development 

Health and Nutrition 

Education 

Institutional Strengthening 

Improvement of rural road infrastructure 

Improvement of rural electric systems 

Improvement of water and sanitation systems 

Improvement of irrigation infrastructure 

Promotion of agriculture and forestry development 

Promotion of local provider development 

Support of chronic malnutrition prevention 

Support of disease prevention and improvement of health care 

Support of the strengthening of health services 

Support of illiteracy reduction 

Support of the academic performance improvement and reduction 

in grade repetition and/or school drop-out 

Support of the strengthening of education services 

Support of the improvement of local management 

Strengthening of existing local and provincial consensus building 

spaces 

Support of the strengthening of active citizenship 

7.7.7.1 Infrastructure and Basic Services for Development 

The access to basic services constitutes one of the necessary conditions for the comprehensive 

development of a community and the improvement of the welfare level of the families that compose it. 

In the case of the ADI and rural AII of the Conga Project, the analysis of their local problems revealed the 

insufficient provision of basic services (electricity, water, drainage) and road infrastructure. This line of 

action focuses on this issue and its solution is set as a priority because, from an integral perspective, it 

would be impossible to achieve the objectives established by the other lines of action, especially the ones 

addressing the improvement of productivity, health and education, without a prior or parallel work on the 

provision of an adequate basic infrastructure, the terminal objective of this line of action. 

The benefits obtained thanks to the improvement of the basic infrastructure for the development are 

significant and they can be perceived in several settings, such as the improved health status of the 

families, the reduced transportation costs, the increased spare time to study and perform other activities 



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that require lighting, availability and efficiency in the use of water for the development of various 

economic activities, among other benefits that are important for any population but have an even larger 

impact in a context of scarce economic resources and impossibility to gain access to close replacements, 

which is the case of the ADI and rural AII of the Conga Project. 

The sub-lines of action associated to the improvement of the basic infrastructure for development are 

described below. 

7.7.7.2 Improvement in Road Infrastructure 

7.7.7.2.1 Objective 

To maintain and restore the road infrastructure of the ADI and rural AII towns in order to strengthen their 

economic and social integration and development. 

7.7.7.2.2 Justification 

The social and economic development of the communities settled in the ADI and rural AII of the project 

can hardly be achieved without first dealing with their road deficiencies. The lack of canals of 

communication or their precarious state entails adverse economic and social effects. From an economic 

point of view, this blocks the trade flow and limits the development of the production activities because of 

the non-existent supply and demand of the products or services offered by the inhabitants of the ADI and 

rural AII, or because of the scarcity of the necessary supplies for their preparation. This market “shortage” 

is also evident in the social framework of the ADI and rural AII. Social relations are limited and good 

communications can only be reached in areas with passable roads, thus creating a feeling of social 

exclusion and unrest. 

7.7.7.2.3 Proposed Activities 

Pre-investment and investment studies for the construction of rural road infrastructure. 

Institutional agreements for the co-financing of the maintenance and/or improvement of the rural road 

infrastructure. 

7.7.7.3 Improvement of the Rural Electrical Systems 


To urge the electrification of the ADI and rural AII of the Conga Project with sustainability and efficiency 

criteria in order to reach better standards of living for their inhabitants and a greater socio-economic 

development through the use of energy for production. 


In general, the households in the ADI and rural AII do not have access to electrical energy; only 

20.8percent benefits from it. On the other hand, the rest of the population has to turn to other sources of 

energy, such as kerosene, or use candles. 

This restricts their possibility to undertake new production activities that require the use of energy 

sources, or to improve the existing ones through more sophisticated machinery and equipment. 

Furthermore, their living status is limited in several aspects: increased difficulty of access to media 

(telephone, radio, television, etc.), absence of lighting in their houses, and even in education and health 

centers; and, as a consequence of the foregoing, the feeling of exclusion that causes social unrest and 

exacerbates the rejection of new mining projects. 

Finally, the benefits brought by the access to electrical energy would have an expansive effect that is not 

only restricted to the ADI and rural AII, but expands to the surrounding areas through a greater economic 

dynamism, which will last beyond the closure of the mine, thus supporting its sustainability. 




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Agreements with the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) for the co-financing of the implementation of 

the rural electrification projects. 

Preparation of pre-investment and investment studies for rural electrification. 

7.7.7.4 Improvement in the Water and Sanitation Systems 


To increase the access to potable water and sanitation services for the families living in the ADI and rural 

AII of the Conga Project in order to improve their health conditions and, consequently, their welfare. 


The access to the public network of potable water in the towns pertaining to the area of influence is 

limited; only 10 percent has access to this service through a public network inside or outside the 

household, or through a basin or public tap. 

In general, the water supply is provided through other sources such as wells, springs, rivers and streams. 

Taking into account that in these rural areas, as in other parts of Peru, the inhabitants are not used to 

boiling water or applying any other hygiene method, such as chlorination, the risk of diarrheal or intestinal 

diseases increases and health deteriorates. 

Furthermore, the scarcity of water that is in good conditions affects especially the children, who are more 

prone to develop intestinal and parasitic diseases. This problem is aggravated by the poor health 

education and sanitary services in most of the town households. 

The hamlets of the districts of Huasmín and La Encañada are the most affected ones in this matter, since 

20.6 percent and 18.3 percent of the households located there do not have access to bathrooms. This 

entails the use of the open field as a last resource and, consequently, an increased level of pollution in 

the land and a higher risk of diseases. 


Pre-investment and investment studies for the improvement, restoration and installation of basic water 

and sanitation systems. 

Institutional agreements for the co-financing of the implementation of the rural and basic water and 

sanitation systems. 

7.7.7.5 Improvement in the Irrigation Infrastructure 


To provide the families of the ADI and rural AII with an appropriate irrigation infrastructure that enhances 

the development of their agricultural activities. 


The provision of better irrigation infrastructures is essential for the development of the agricultural activity 

of the families in the ADI and rural AII of the project. Agriculture is the most important production activity 

in this study area since it includes most of the EAP (independent work). Nonetheless, its return and the 

generated profits are limited in comparison to the economic activities of dependent nature. This is partly 

because of the lack of agricultural infrastructure (efficient irrigation systems), which leads to an excessive 

use (overexploitation) of water resources and, as a result, to an inefficient water use. The final result can 

be observed in the decrease in production and agricultural productivity (which is already low due to the 

non-existent training and technical assistance). 

7.7.7.5.3 Proposed Activities: 

Pre-investment and investment studies for the improvement, restoration and installation of irrigation 

systems. 



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Institutional agreements for the co-financing of the implementation of an irrigation infrastructure. 

7.7.7.6 Economic Development 

The agricultural and forestry activities in the ADI and rural AII of the Conga Project are the main sources 

of employment and income for the families living in this areas. Unfortunately, the income they earn is low 

and their productivity is limited. In general, the agricultural production is aimed at self-consumption and 

only a small part of it is commercialized. 

Only 10.7 percent of the producers sell their production and they do so, in most of the cases, individually 

(81.3 percent). Therefore, the market has an incipient development that is mainly caused by the small 

agricultural productivity that prevents them from carrying out a production with a sufficient amount and 

quality to satisfy greater demands. 

The expenses in agricultural activities suppose a median of 160 nuevos soles. This means that 

50percent of the farmers spend an amount lower than the abovementioned per year. In the case of cattle 

raising, this figure is even smaller (110 nuevos soles). This scenario is reflected in a vicious circle difficult 

to break out of without external support: the population cannot invest in the improvement of its 

productivity due to the lack of economic resources, and the low production they obtain entails a lower 

cash income in the future that, as a result, prevents them from carrying out future production investments. 

In this regard, it is extremely important to develop strategies that increase the efficiency and productivity 

of the agriculture and forestry activities. This line of action deals with these problems through two sublines 

that focus on the development of agricultural and forestry business, and the local providers. The first 

sub-line envisages the provision of technical assistance, technology transfer, and training for production 

improvement, following a business perspective. The other sub-line completes the first one by 

strengthening the business skills of the producers, since it promotes the development of local providers 

so that they not only satisfy the demands of the mine, as it would be the case in a paternalistic approach, 

but also are capable of assisting a larger and diversified group of clients. 

7.7.7.7 Promotion of the Agricultural and Forestry Development 


To promote the development of agriculture, livestock and forestry management skills in the inhabitants 

belonging to the ADI and rural AII of the Conga Project, providing them with the necessary tools, 

techniques and knowledge to increase the productivity and competitiveness in their activities. 


Agriculture is one of the most important livelihood activities in the ADI and rural AII of the Conga Project. 

Nonetheless, its development is incipient and the generated profits are low due to the absence of 

technical assistance, low quality lands and limited access to credit. To this extent, it is concerning that 

almost 100percent of the producers do not receive technical assistance (only 0.2 percent do), that is why 

the difficulties they face to increase their productivity are not surprising. 

Furthermore, besides being associated with the family income, agriculture is closely related to the 

nutrition levels of the household through stability in the food availability. The cattle raising situation does 

not differ from the agriculture situation since it also shows reduced levels of productivity that are related to 

the same issues. 

Based on the foregoing, it is clear to see the need to provide the families in the ADI and rural AII of the 

Conga Project with the necessary tools to improve their productivity in agriculture and forestry activities by 

promoting the business skills in all the aspects, especially the commercialization through a better 

insertion into the markets, whose effects will translate into an increase in family income and a 

considerable improvement of the family’s well-being. 



7-17


Strengthening of the rural technical skills: training, technical assistance, existing crop improvement, 

technology innovation and transfer, cattle and genetic improvement, animal health, handling and 

preservation of grasslands. 

Strengthening of the rural business skills, assistance in the commercialization and access to the credit 

system. 

Agricultural and livestock production change to create added value in the products. 

7.7.7.8 Promotion of the Development of Local Providers 


To improve the competitiveness of the local businesses by preparing them to venture into the markets 

and to establish relations with clients of continuous demand and greater needs, as MYSRL. 


The context of the ADI and rural AII shows the scarceness of developed markets due to the limited 

presence of companies with minimum quality standards and with the capacity to satisfy mass demands. 

This scenario is the result of a non-existent business education that, in addition to the reduced 

productivity, limited economic resources and lack of education, restricts the possibility of families in the 

ADI and rural AII to develop in the economic field. 

From the above it is deduced that strengthening the business management skills of the local companies 

is necessary; it may be achieved through the development of business skills: strategic and financial 

planning, ability to put forward business proposals, client-oriented business, among others. This is part of 

a comprehensive development process that not only concerns the entrepreneurial families of the local 

companies, but also encompasses a strategic vision of the regional development, since it promotes the 

creation of permanent jobs, investment increase, local growth and development, an ideal business 

climate and, as a result, better social well-being. 

Moreover, this strengthening of the business management skills gives the local companies the necessary 

capacity to provide their products or services to several other companies or consumers, to diversify their 

client portfolio and not to be restricted to the demand of the mine, as is usually the case when social 

responsibility gives priority to a paternalistic attitude and does not work with a long-term vision in which 

the benefits go beyond the operation life of the mine. 


Strengthening the rural business skills in a strategic, operation, business and financial framework. 

Strengthening the rural technical skills to increase the productivity and enhance the quality. 

7.7.7.9 Health and nutrition 

The health characteristics of the rural ADI and AII of the Conga Project show serious problems that 

increase the presence of diseases. Among these, those that require urgent solution are malnutrition, 

which raises the possibility of acquiring diseases, lack of disease prevention culture, and inadequate and 

inappropriate care provided by health centers. 

The most vulnerable populations are children; therefore their exposure to gastrointestinal and respiratory 

diseases is more frequent. This, in a context of cold temperatures and poor weather conditions, 

exacerbates even more the fragile condition of this group. 

Culture has a significant importance. It is usual for people in rural areas to prefer the use of traditional 

medicines, which is not always enough to fight against diseases. Moreover, because of unawareness or 

lack of habit, people do not promote or implement within their houses all the good personal hygiene 

practices recommended. This leads to high morbidity rates, which limit their physical condition and 



7-18

prevent them from undertaking productive activities, in the case of adults, or cause a reduction in school 

performance, in the case of children. 

In a context where the cultural factor is substantial, strategies aimed at reducing disease levels require, in 

the first place, the trust of the target population for which they are designed. However, one thing that is 

usual in most poor areas is that the situation of health centers has as common denominator a poor 

provision of medical equipment, medicine and properly trained human resources. This creates a lack of 

trust among people; therefore, the coverage of these centers is reduced. This is why it is necessary to 

implement comprehensive strategies to contribute effectively to solve the problem. 

From a preventive point of view, it is necessary to create public awareness through the dissemination of 

knowledge that emphasizes the importance of early treatment of diseases and good hygiene habits to 

avoid serious future health problems. This involves the consolidation of a disease prevention culture. 

The purpose of this line is to solve these problems; so, the sub-lines are focused on reducing chronic 

malnutrition, spreading a culture of prevention, treating common diseases and improving health services. 

As a result, it will be possible to improve health conditions for the population of the rural ADI and AII, thus 

reducing the inequities that exist in contexts of poverty, which frustrate future development and reduce 

well-being, besides generating social discontent. 

7.7.7.9.1 Support for the prevention of chronic child malnutrition 

7.7.7.9.1.1 Objective 

To contribute to the reduction of chronic malnutrition in children under the age of five. 

7.7.7.9.1.2 Justification 

Chronic malnutrition is an underlying problem in children under five years in the rural ADI and AII; almost 

half of these (42.6 percent) suffer from this disease and 14.3 percent have a more serious condition 

(severe chronic malnutrition). Moreover, children with these problems are more exposed to health 

problems when they leave the breastfeeding period, something that somehow protected them. The main 

effect of insufficient and unbalanced food is the frequency of anemia in children. In the rural ADI and AII, 

38.4 percent of children under five years suffer from some degree of anemia, 10.2 percent have moderate 

anemia and 27.9 percent mild anemia. 

Poor nutrition, which at one end is transformed into malnutrition, limits physical and intellectual maturity 

and development of children. In extreme cases, the effects may become irreversible, so caring for it must 

be a priority and should start with raising parent awareness, especially of mothers, thus emphasizing the 

importance of good nutrition and the adverse effects associated with its neglect. In this regard, it is 

important to provide adequate information on how to solve the problem with easily accessible resources: 

native products with a high nutritional value. 

Likewise, malnutrition is associated with education level of the parents, thus reflecting the presence of a 

vicious circle: households in which the parent did not study or only attended elementary school have a 

higher proportion of malnourished children, and it is expected that malnutrition will prevent these affected 

children from completing basic education. For this reason, this sub-line of action contributes to achieving 

the objectives of the action line that promotes the improvement of education. 

Thus, the provision of appropriate and correct nutrition in children has beneficial effects that show 

themselves from the beginning in a reduced risk of acquiring diseases, and are durable in the long-term, 

promoting a better quality of life in adulthood. 

7.7.7.9.1.3 Proposed activities 

Institutional agreements for the prevention of chronic child malnutrition. 

7.7.7.9.2 Support for the prevention and improvement of health care 




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To reduce the incidence of diseases, especially of respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases in the 

population of the rural ADI and AII of the Conga Project. 


The morbidity in the population of the rural ADI and AII of the Conga Project is high: 42.3 percent of 

households report having had a sick person in the previous 15 days, as shown in the baseline. Moreover, 

from this percentage 31.4 percent did not visit a health center to receive medical attention. This exposes, 

on one hand, the reduced importance that specialized medical treatment has for the population, mainly 

due to ignorance, and, on the other hand, the low coverage of health centers. 

The presence of diseases is common and caused by the lack of habit and knowledge of good hygiene 

practices, and the absence of a disease prevention culture. The effects are even larger in children: The 

prevalence of acute respiratory diseases in children under 5 years is 44.5 percent, and with diarrhea 10 

percent. 

The above reflects the need to provide people with sufficient information about measures required to 

prevent the occurrence or spreading (if they are already present) of diseases. It is also essential to 

sensitize people on the importance of practical application of all knowledge provided, focusing on adverse 

consequences that could be derived from an irresponsible attitude. 

In addition to information on common (daily) practices for disease prevention, it is essential to organize 

health campaigns that complement the prevention practiced at home, such as vaccination campaigns. 

And, in the case of people suffering from serious health problems, it is important to help them to recover 

quickly by providing them with medicine and appropriate medical treatment. 


Institutional agreements for the implementation of comprehensive health campaigns in the rural ADI and 

AII of the project covering the dissemination of knowledge for disease prevention and the improvement of 

health care. 

7.7.7.9.3 Support for the strengthening of health services 


To improve medical care in health centers in terms of infrastructure, equipment and human capital. 


The risk of diseases, as in most rural areas of Peru, is higher due to the limited quantity of health centers. 

In the case of the rural ADI and AII of the Conga Project, this problem is worsened by the lack of 

adequate and appropriate medical equipment. If one considers the medical equipment, 21 percent of it is 

between 6 and 10 years old, and 10percent is over 10 years old. The general condition of the equipment 

(clinical and health devices, medical, laboratory and complementary equipment, and office furniture) is 

not good, since only 38 percent of is in good condition. 

The infrastructure of the health centers does not show adequate safety conditions. These centers do not 

have ramps for the disabled, nor do they have signs or areas for evacuation in cases of disasters, and 

they do not have perimeter fences either. So these aspects should be addressed to provide a safe 

medical care to patients. 

However, an adequate coverage of health centers, besides considering issues of infrastructure and 

equipment, includes the training of human capital (doctors, nurses, etc.). This training should include 

topics on sexual and reproductive health, hygiene, sanitation, food and nutrition, as well as techniques 

that promote an optimal doctor-patient relationship that provides an environment conducive to trust and 

helps in the early recovery of the patient. 



7-20

Attention to the issues indicated above would consolidate the provision of a better medical service in 

health centers and, therefore, would ensure greater satisfaction (well-being) of the public who attend. 


Institutional agreements for the strengthening of health services (infrastructure, medical equipment, 

training of health personnel, etc.) 

7.7.7.10 Education 

Supporting education and health is crucial for the future development of the population in the rural ADI 

and AII. Their positive effects last for years, hence why it’s considered a long-term strategy. In the case 

of education, the exclusion of historical, scientific, and social knowledge, as well as of other school 

subjects imparted at school restricts the social environment of young people to their small social 

entourage, which unfortunately shows economic and social gaps, preventing them from effectively 

entering a globalized world, where basic education is a fundamental requirement to perform successfully. 

The lack of basic education creates an inferior social component because of the presence of greater 

limitations. Illiteracy, present in 29 percent of the population over the age of 15 in the study area, creates 

individuals incapable of understanding their rights, even more prone to becoming victims of exploitation, 

and less productive, since the lack of knowledge affects competitiveness and, in consequence, 

development. 

The situation of the rural ADI and AII also reflects an increased vulnerability for the female population. 

Gender inequality, largely due to cultural factors that confine women to housework, is reflected in a 

female illiteracy rate of three times its equivalent in the male group (43 percent versus 14 percent). 

These differences increase with age: Among women over 55 85 percent are illiterate. 

Therefore, it is important to establish mechanisms that contribute to increase access to education for the 

population living in the rural ADI and AII. This line of action includes measures to make this objective 

come true, focusing on strategies aimed at helping people, especially children, to complete their basic 

education; and, in the case of adults, to enjoy the benefits of literacy. 

In the case of adults, there is a sub-line which provides action measures to help the illiterate fraction to 

escape poverty and to receive sufficient support to achieve it, despite their age. In the case of children, 

there are two sub-lines of action working to improve educational services and to reduce school dropout 

and grade repetition. 

7.7.7.10.1 Support for the reduction of illiteracy 

7.7.7.10.1.1 Objective 

To reduce levels of illiteracy among the population over 15 in the rural ADI and AII of the Conga Project. 


Illiteracy is present in a high proportion of the population in the rural ADI and IIA (29 percent of the 

population over 15) and involves a great number of adult women. The lack of access to information 

through the print media leads to an almost complete exclusion of scientific, technical progress, etc. 

Moreover, the social development of this group is reduced: ignorance of their basic rights makes them 

more vulnerable to exploitation and extends the social inequality gaps. 

Such inequality is manifested in a minor aptitude to establish communication processes; therefore, this 

group has less access to opportunities than the literate group. From the economic point of view, 

education is a factor of production, and consequently, it has an effect on the competitive level, which 

directly affects the remunerative or monetary income level. 



7-21

Likewise, illiteracy in the rural ADI and AII is part of a circular problem: the higher the education of the 

household head, the lower the rate of illiteracy among his children; and, conversely, the lower the 

education of the household head, the higher the likelihood of illiteracy among his children. 

Given the presence of a vicious cycle that promotes the transmission of illiteracy from parents to children, 

and considering that this transmission is also related to development levels, economic situation and 

poverty, the implementation of measures intended to reduce illiteracy levels is justified. However, such 

measures should include criteria different from those applied in the normal schooling process in their 

design, since the target population is adult and is devoted to the practice of rural production activities 

(agriculture, livestock) and housework; therefore, they would have no motivation to become literate 

without adequate provision of incentives to become so. These incentives include financial and 

psychological components: provision of educational materials and raising awareness. Thus, it would be 

possible to improve their education, increase their well-being and, indirectly, to encourage further 

development for their offspring. 


Institutional agreements to contribute to the reduction of illiteracy. 

7.7.7.10.2 Support for the improvement of academic performance and the reduction of repetition and/or 

school dropout 

7.7.7.10.2.1 Objective 

To reduce school dropout and grade repetition rates of the school-age population in the rural ADI and AII 

of the Conga Project. 


In the rural ADI and AII, the school enrollment rate of children between the ages of 3 and 16 is 74 

percent. This means that 26 percent of the school-age population is not accessing basic education on a 

regular basis. Late entry to school and the lack of continuity in education generates a poor academic 

performance, which is more difficult to manage as time goes on. Older children are discouraged because 

they have to spend their whole education with younger children who often have an increased learning 

capacity. In addition, the older the children are, the more domestic or productive obligations within the 

household they have, shortening their time available for studies. 

The proportion of enrollment by educational level indicates the lack of continuity in basic education. The 

enrollment rate at elementary level is above secondary level (89 percent and 85 percent, respectively). 

The formal withdrawal from school or the informal school dropout, reflected in lower enrollment rates in 

secondary education, are part of a general dropout problem that has its origin in two factors: the limited 

offer of educational services in line with the characteristics and needs of the rural school-age population, 

and the absence of strong demand for concluding basic education, along with economic, social and 

cultural factors that prevent children from concluding this education. 

The improvement of education services and education offer, affects school dropout levels and it is an 

objective of a sub-line for further action. By contrast, this sub-line of action is especially focused on 

demand, specifically, on the incentives that encourage continuous school attendance. These incentives 

are aimed at parents and children. 

On the side of parents, they have little appreciation for the education of their children. They are not 

willing to invest in child education and prefer to entrust them with tasks that they consider more profitable. 

Economic and cultural factors are important, so it is expected that with the provision of education 

materials and adequate awareness of the importance of education, their perception of education benefits 

changes. 

From the students’ point of view, incentives aim at revaluating education as a tool to develop greater 

confidence in their future abilities and potentials. Thus, prizes, scholarships and others among those 



7-22

students with better academic performance stimulate their competitive mindset and give them more 

confidence, besides contributing to their academic background (e.g. technical or university scholarships). 

Reduced dropout rates and increased access to higher education have a greater impact on the future 

well-being of children and their families. This implies a higher level of social and economic development 

that persists for a long time. 


Institutional agreements to contribute to the reduction of school dropout rates, promoting capacity building 

in technical and pedagogical issues for teachers, and encouraging school entry and successful 

completion of basic education for students. 

7.7.7.10.3 Support for the strengthening of education services 

7.7.7.10.3.1 Objective 

To improve the quality of educational services in terms of infrastructure, equipment and human capital. 


The infrastructure of schools in the rural ADI and AII is precarious. The materials used in the construction 

of the walls are generally adobe and mud. The roofs are usually made of corrugated iron sheets and 

reinforced concrete, and the floor is made of cement. With regard to basic services, most schools have 

no access to potable water or electricity. These conditions hinder effective learning of the school-age 

population and prevent teachers, even the most trained, from imparting their lessons successfully. As a 

result, teachers have poor performance in class and children cannot concentrate because of the cold and 

bad weather common in the winter. Thus, the infrastructure plays an important role in the quality of 

education, but it must be complemented with adequate education furniture (blackboards, desks, etc.). 

Unfortunately, schools in the rural ADI and AII are characterized by an insufficient number of desks and 

blackboards, which are necessary for classes. There is no presence of libraries and they have no access 

to information technologies (computers, internet, etc.). 

In addition to physical capital in educational institutions, human capital is essential. Education in rural 

areas is guided by different codes, so teachers should be trained and must speak the same cultural 

language of students. This means understanding their social context, problems and aspirations. 

Furthermore, teachers could receive economic incentives for this, such as a subsidy for transport or 

others. 

Improvement in educational services promotes entry to education and its continuity, key factors for social 

and economic development. 


Institutional agreements to strengthen educational services (teacher training, basic equipment: library, 

kitchen, dining room, basic services such as electricity, water, sewage, etc.). 

7.7.7.11 Institutional Strengthening 

Social institutions are part of the community capital that undertakes projects or carries out activities aimed 

at the development of the community as a whole. Although each institution or interest group may have 

specific objectives, they are all directed towards a common general objective: sustainable social 

progress. However, in places where institutionalism is just getting started, as in the rural ADI and AII of 

the Conga Project, the objectives may clash with one another, and synergies may quite simply never 

occur. 

In this regard, the social capital of the community needs to be strengthened so that the institutions and 

interest groups meet their objectives without wasting resources. To this end, besides a sound financial 

and economic strategy, it is imperative to prioritize the training of human capital capable of managing 



7-23

social development “social leaders” who contribute to the development of people’s individual capacities, 

encourage solidarity, and promote trust and civic responsibility in the community. 

The aim of this action line is therefore to ensure the training of human capital within organizations and 

interest groups, so that performance of these key figures becomes planned, sustained, democratic, and 

effective for the achievement of the objectives. Following this pattern, there are three sub-lines of action. 

The first one is aimed at improving local management of district and provincial municipalities, because of 

the high degree of mistrust that exists among the population regarding their performance, and the high 

level of influence they have on community development; the second one is aimed at strengthening the 

existing local and provincial consensus building spaces; and the third one is aimed at promoting active 

citizenship, where people are aware and accountable for their rights and duties as citizens committed to 

the development of their town. This implies strengthening a democratic system and, therefore, active 

participation of the population that, despite its many differences, does not intend to show social 

inequalities in rights and access to opportunities, something that would reflect social injustice. 

7.7.7.11.1 Support for the improvement of local management 

7.7.7.11.1.1 Objective 

To contribute to the improvement of the local management of the district and provincial municipalities 

according to a process of participatory and sustainable development. 


The institutionalism in the area of influence is relatively weak and it is reflected in the level of public trust 

in institutions. We can distinguish two kinds of key figures: (1) those that are close to the community, 

such as community leaders and authorities of towns and hamlets, and (2) those that are more distant 

from the community, such as the authorities of the local and regional government. In the first case, the 

trust level exceeds 60 percent, while in the second the trust levels drop to 44 percent in the case of 

district authorities, 34 percent for provincial authorities, and 33 percent for regional authorities. This 

reflects that the higher the hierarchical and territorial level and the greater the distance from the hamlet, 

the lower the level of trust. In the population of the study area, this lack of trust shows a high degree of 

dissatisfaction with functions that are not being properly implemented by provincial and district authorities. 

An incipient institutionalism of local, provincial and regional governments does not have enough power to 

guide population development. Human resources and materials are often wasted in such contexts and, 

therefore, community well-being is limited. 

Even with the purpose of promoting development, these institutions could not work properly without 

sufficient human and financial resources. This involves, especially, trained human capital to carry out 

participatory development processes. Therefore, it is important to help local authorities plan and manage 

sustainable development processes, so that social investment is optimally oriented and its benefits are 

larger. 


Agreements with municipalities within the project scope to improve their local management, following a 

participatory and democratic approach and encouraging training of local leaders sensitive to the 

community development. 

7.7.7.11.2 Strengthening of existing local and provincial consensus building spaces 

7.7.7.11.2.1 Objective 

To contribute to the strengthening of existing local consensus-building spaces in order to direct resources 

and efforts to the local development of the project’s area of influence. 




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The creation of consensus-building spaces makes it possible to organize efforts and resources, both 

individual and institutional, aimed at building a participatory development process that is part of a 

consensus between individuals and key figures confined to a given territory. 

The strengthening of these spaces would make it possible for the population living in the project’s area of 

influence to work with local, district or provincial authorities under a vision that sets out the interests, 

wishes and aspirations of all the people involved and establishes mutual commitments of the key public 

and private figures. In this line, this greater public–private coordination and integration will achieve 

political, technical and economic viability for projects and programs formulated in local strategic 

development plans. 

In particular, the efficient formulation of the Concerted Development Plan and the Institutional 

Development Plan sets out the path that facilitates the achievement of commitments and goals set by the 

citizens as protagonists of their future. The Concerted Development Plan is a local diagnosis that serves 

as an input for the formulation and development of projects and specific local policies. It establishes the 

paths to be followed in the long term to achieve the strategic objectives previously defined in a 

participatory manner. The Institutional Development Plan is shorter (medium term) and reflects the 

commitments made by the state in the Coordinated Development Plan. This plan contains consistent 

decisions that determine the allocation of resources to achieve medium-term objectives, and serves as a 

basis for preparing the Annual Operating and Budget Plan. 

The provision of economic and social development paths in a participatory, democratic, and planned 

manner contributes significantly to increase the population’s well-being in the area of influence of the 

Conga project. 


Agreements with municipalities within the project scope to formulate strategic plans for development: 

Concerted Development Plan and Institutional Development Plan. 

7.7.7.11.3 Support for the strengthening of active citizenship 

7.7.7.11.3.1 Objective 

To promote the strengthening of an active and responsible citizenship, aware of their duties and rights 

and committed to the economic and social development of their environment. 


The presence of a passive citizenship, that gives only importance to the rights and neglects obligations, 

prevents the generation of commitments and willingness to contribute to the development of their 

communities. Consequently, turning this into an active citizenship in which citizens assume duties 

creates a civic responsibility that facilitates the establishment of political commitment of feasible 

implementation. 

In a context where citizenship is exercised actively, people are aware of and responsible for both their 

rights and their duties. As a result, they understand that the inherent differences in any social context do 

not justify the presence of inequalities. In this regard, the active exercise of citizenship seeks to promote 

a just society, where everyone has equal access to opportunities for development, and where the 

empowerment of people creates synergies for the achievement of a participatory democracy. 

The consolidation of a participatory democracy in the area of influence of the Conga project would create 

democratic individuals who know the political structures and other means and canals that are available to 

responsibly exercise their rights and duties as citizens, and who also participate consciously in social 

affairs related to their economic and social development. 

7.7.7.11.3.3 Suggested activities 

Institutional agreements for the strengthening of citizenship with other stakeholders. 



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7.8 Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) 

7.8.1 Introduction Plan 

The Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) describes the impact management measures to be 

implemented by MYSRL regarding the Conga project. These measures are aimed at mitigating the 

negative impacts and enhancing positive impacts generated by the implementation of the project, which 

have been previously identified in the Socioeconomic Impact Analysis (Section 5.3). 

These management measures are framed in policies, programs, projects and socioeconomic plans. 

Policy means a set of actions aimed at certain principles that the executor will seek to develop throughout 

the lifespan of the company. The projects, in turn, consist of a set of interrelated activities designed to 

achieve specific objectives within budget limits and a given time frame. The programs consist of a series 

of projects, which is why they differ from the latter in the magnitude and the longer time span to reach the 

objectives. Finally, the plans offer the guidelines, which consist of a coordinated set of objectives, goals 

and actions that, related to strategies, prioritize a series of policies and instruments in time and space to 

achieve a proposed objective image. Also, these instruments are reflected in the mentioned programs 

and projects. 


To manage predictable social impacts identified for the Conga Project in its area of influence, through a 

series of measures previously assessed, that may, on one hand, reduce the negative effects that are 

detrimental to the quality of life of the population, and, on the other hand, enhance the positive impacts 

that may arise as a result of the project implementation. 


For the development of the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP), we used as the main input the 

analysis performed in the sections of identification, assessment and qualification of predictable and 

residual impacts of the Conga Project which are part of the chapter on Socioeconomic Impact Analysis of 

this study. In these sections, we explored in detail the characteristics of the Conga project and the 

socioeconomic characteristics of the project study area to determine the predictable impacts of the project 

and its areas of influence. From this analysis, we identified the positive and negative impacts that could 

be managed to generate residual impacts of greater benefit to the population than the ex-ante predictable 

impacts. 

The evaluation and classification of residual impacts, which by their nature enable the design of any 

management measure, are also presented in Chapter 5. 

The design of the impact management measures that are part of this chapter also took into account the 

socioeconomic and cultural characteristics of the population of the area directly affected. In addition, we 

considered similar experiences of other mining companies, as well as the experience of MYSRL and the 

Newmont Corporation. 

It is noteworthy that, despite the fact that the impact management measures are aimed at a specific target 

population, their benefits can expand beyond this particular group. This is because many of the problems 

of possible mitigation or enhancement encountered are directly or indirectly intertwined with structural 

problems that require prior attention in order to achieve a truly beneficial result in the quality of life of the 

population in the area of influence directly impacted. 

In this regard, many of the impact management measures are based on the solution of structural 

problems that originated the vulnerability level towards the impacts of the Conga project. This 

understood, we can gather its close relationship with the programs, projects and policies proposed in the 

Community Relations Plan (CRP), as discussed below. 



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Although the ultimate goal of the Community Relations Plan (CRP) is not to mitigate the project’s negative 

impacts or to enhance the positive ones – since it is aimed at the entire area of influence and not only at 

the area directly impacted – it contributes substantially to these objectives. This is achieved by fostering a 

favorable environment for the implementation of impact management measures and by helping to correct 

several problems that are not within the scope of the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP), since they 

are not due to effects generated by the Conga Project, but are rather due to long-standing local problems. 

7.8.4 Management measures 

The impact management measures derive from the thorough study of the impacts generated by the 

project and the local problems that could amplify the effects of these impacts. 

Thus, after the analysis of potential socioeconomic impacts of the Conga project in Chapter 5 , we 

selected those of feasible mitigation or enhancement, and then formulated the impact management 

measures for the ADI, the AII or any specific group within those areas. 

These measures are aimed specifically at the directly affected area of influence for each type of impact 

found; however, as noted above, their positive effects may extend beyond these limits. Chart 7.8.1 

presents the management measures for each impact, identifying also the stage at which those measures 

will be implemented, and the receivers. It is worth mentioning that the amount of investment that the 

Conga project will allocate for each impact management measure will be associated directly to the 

achievement of the objectives listed for each of these measures. 

Impact management 

measure 

1. Construction of 

alternative roads 

Chart 7.8.1 

Impact management measures 

Predictable impacts Receivers Implementation stage 

Alteration of south-north 

routes 

Alteration of west-east 

routes 

Improvement in the 

quality of roads (more 

safety and less wear on 

vehicles) 

Changing dairy routes 

with potential impact on 

sales. 

2. Road Safety Plan Increase of the risk of 

road blocks 

Increase of the risk of 

vehicle accidents 

3. Social Support 

Program by Land 

Acquisition (PASAT) 

Risk of social 

withdrawal and isolation 

Breakdown of social 

and related networks 

Income increase 

Loss of fixed production 

assets (land) 

ADI 

Rural ADI and AII 

San Nicolás 

Private companies 



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Pre-construction 

Rural ADI and AII Construction and 

operation 

Hamlets in the Project 

Site Area (CAEP) 

(former owners) 

Construction and start 

of operation


measure 

4. Code of Conduct for 

Employees, Contractors 

and Consultants 

5. Policy of Promotion of 

the Culture and Local 

Customs 

6. Policy of Local 

Purchasing and 

Contracts 

7. Training and 

Employment Plan 

(PCEL) 

8. Capacity Building in 

Design and 

Management of 

Investment Projects of 

local, district and 

provincial governments 

9. Social 

Communication Plan 

(PCS) 

10. Social and 

Environmental 

Participatory Monitoring 


Cultural clashes due to 

lifestyles different from 

the ones of the town 



Local service 

companies 

CAEP (agricultural 

workers) 

Income reduction upon Local service 

project closure 

companies 


Increase in local 

(labor) 

employment 


(agricultural workers) 

Work reinsertion Rural ADI and AII 

problems 

(labor) 

Reduction of the 

economic activity 

City of Cajamarca 

Income increase Rural ADI and AII 

(labor) 

Income reduction upon 

project closure 

Conga workers 

Work 

problems 

reinsertion 

Uncertainty about future 

employment 

Tension between 

districts and adjacent 

provinces that receive 

and such that do not 

receive cannon fee 

Tension between 

districts and adjacent 

provinces that receive 

and such that do not 

receive 

royalties. 

income by 


through cannon fee 

Over-expectations of job 

positions to be 

generated 

Over-expectations of 

social investments to be 

made by MYSRL 



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Pre-construction, 

construction, operation 

and closure 

Construction and 

operation 

Construction, operation 

and closure 



and closure 

Cajamarca Region Operation 

Local, national and 

regional government 






and closure


measure 

Plan (SEPMP) Over-expectations of 

investment from 

regional and local 

government in social 

11. Natural Grassland 

Recovery 


infrastructure 

Perceptions of impacts 

on water quantity and 

quality 

Perceptions of harm to 

human health and 

agricultural performance 

by deterioration of water 

quality 

Perceptions of reduced 

agricultural output by 

noise and dust impacts 

Perceptions of 

environmental impacts 

Perceptions of 

environmental liabilities 

Uncertainty about future 

employment 

Reduction of uncertainty 

about the availability of 

water in dry season 

Reduction in 

employment 

Loss of environmental 

elements with socioeconomic 

importance 

(grasses and bogs) 




San Nicolás, El Porvenir 

de La Encañada, Lakes 

of Combayo, Agua 

Blanca, 

Quengorío Alto, 

Huasiyuc Jadibamba 

and Piedra Redonda 

Provinces of Celendín 

and Cajamarca 

CAEP 

Conga Project workers 

CAEP 

CAEP (shepherds and 

mitayos, i.e. peasants) 

San Nicolás and Agua 

Blanca 



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Construction, operation 

and closure 

Below is the purpose, description, beneficiaries, date and investment amount for each of the 

management measures previously identified. 

7.8.4.1 Alternative Road Construction 

Objective 

To mitigate the predictable negative impacts arising from the interruption of pathways and local roads or 

the breaking up of economic corridors during the construction and operation stages of the Conga Project. 

Description 

Among the lines of communication that could be interrupted in the construction and operation stages of 

the Conga Project, the following sections are affected: (1) cutting off the stretch of the rural road Agua 

Blanca - San Nicolás towards Cajamarca, (2) cutting off the section of Agua Blanca - San Nicolás towards

Quengorío Alto, Namococha and Combayo Lake, and (3) cutting off the stretch of Agua Blanca - 

Quengorío Alto - Piedra Redonda towards Santa Rosa de Huasmín. The first one is a frequently used 

corridor, while the following corridors are not used. 

The road that connects the hamlets of Santa Rosa de Huasmín, Agua Blanca, and San Nicolas will be 

removed. This implies that people living beside this road, whose main production activity is the sale of 

milk along route 47 to Gloria, and along 25 to Nestlé, could be affected, if appropriate mitigation 

measures are not designed. 

In this sense, MYSRL proposes the construction of two roads as a mitigation measure: a road from north 

to south and another one from east to west, called new north-south and east-west corridors. The first 

road, in its first section, would link the hamlets of Santa Rosa and Piedra Redonda, making use of an 

already existing stretch (outside the Conga Project property). The road would continue up to the hamlets 

of Quengorío Bajo and Quengorío Alto through a new trace (within the Conga Project property) and then 

it would connect with the hamlet of San Nicolás by means of a new section (within the Conga Project 

property). Finally, this route would converge to an existing road outside the property. In the case of the 

road traced from east to west, it would join the hamlets of Agua Blanca and San Nicolas through a new 

section, located within the project property, which would increase the route length as compared to the 

original route. It should be noted that the new section that would connect the Santa Rosa and San 

Nicolás hamlets is a longer stretch that would make it possible to recover the dairy routes above 

identified. It is noteworthy that these sections will be implemented previously or in parallel with the 

interruption of the roads mentioned, so that they don’t generate temporary interruptions. 

Beneficiaries 

Population of the hamlets of Agua Blanca, San Nicolás, Quengorío Bajo, Quengorío Alto, Namococha, 

Combayo Lakes, Piedra Redonda, Santa Rosa de Huasmín , as well as the mentioned road users. 

Implementation stage 

Pre-construction and construction. 

7.8.4.2 Road Safety Plan 

Objective 

To avoid the occurrence of traffic accidents and traffic congestion in the construction and operation 

stages of the Conga Project, due to either the transportation of materials or equipment during 

construction, minerals during the operation stage, or personnel. 

Description 

The road safety plan proposed by MYSRL seeks to mitigate the possible negative impacts that would be 

generated regarding traffic congestion and a greater risk of traffic accidents, mainly during the 

construction stage of the Conga Project. Its scope applies to all MYSRL employees, as well as its 

contractors. 

The plan provides: (1) processes for obtaining driving authorizations (internal license to drive and operate 

within the mine), (2) parameters establishing when a load is oversized, (3) standards for drivers devoted 

solely to personnel transportation, (4) rights of way (the prerogative of a driver to continue his journey 

prior to someone else), (5) restricted schedules for traffic of heavy vehicles or equipment other than 

trucks or personnel transport vehicles on the road , (6) maximum permissible measures, (7) which 

vehicles have priority over other vehicles on the road use, (8) technical inspection protocol, (9) the 

internal regulations for transportation of personnel, (10) measures to prevent losses (e.g. to audit 

approved centers for technical inspections), (11) driver training techniques, (12) vehicle and equipment 

maintenance processes, and, fundamentally, (13) a system of corrective measure for traffic violations. 



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With regard to the fines, all drivers must drive in accordance to the road safety rules, regulations, and 

procedures. Drivers who violate these rules will have to follow corrective measures according to the 

seriousness of the specific violation and recidivism. 

Beneficiaries 



Construction and operation. 

7.8.4.3 Support Program due to Land Acquisition (PASAT) 

Objective 

To strengthen the capacities and socioeconomic conditions of the former landowner population, 

necessary for the land acquisition process to be beneficial to those who decided to sell their land and to 

all those people who, without being owners, are financially or socially associated with them. 

Description 

The Social Support Program by Land Acquisition (SSPLA) explains the practices that MYSRL will 

implement in order to properly manage the mitigation process of the negative impacts and the 

enhancement of the positive impacts derived from the land acquisition process within the Conga project 

framework, considering the present constraints and opportunities. 

The Social Support Program by Land Acquisition (SSPLA) reflects the scope, objectives, and principles 

that will guide the strategies for implementation, as well as the steps to be carried out in the process of 

the program design and management. The analysis of the socioeconomic information on the former 

landowner population and the foreseeable impacts associated with the purchase of lands is presented 

because both elements are crucial for the design of program strategies. 

The Social Support Program by Land Acquisition (SSPLA) has been developed so as to allow that its 

benefits, effects, and impacts go beyond the useful life of the program implementation. Therefore, the 

focus on sustainability has been generated based on the design of differentiated strategies according to 

the specific needs of the population, the implementation of conditional activities and incentive 

mechanisms that allow families to have an active role in meeting the objectives and developing the skills 

needed to increase their well-being in the long term. The program also envisages the participation of the 

population in different stages, through information, awareness raising and consultation activities, in order 

to contribute both to creating a real commitment of the people and to socially legitimating the program. 

In addition, it includes a continuous improvement approach based on knowledge and deeper 

understanding of the population. This is possible, as we observe the evolution of families during the 

program implementation and as we get more information about the former landowner population that, at 

present, does not have a socioeconomic characterization. 

The Social Support Program by Land Acquisition (SSPLA) is aimed at all former landowners of the land 

acquired for the Conga project, as MYSRL assumes both the assets and liabilities acquired by the 

purchase of the land of CEDIMIN. Also, the Social Support Program by Land Acquisition (SSPLA) is 

aimed at those participants who are not landowners but are directly impacted by the land acquisition 

process either economically or socially. 

As of September 30, 2009, the former landowners or participants counted are 400 people. It is estimated 

that there are 65 potential former landowners. The Land Acquisition Plan that shows the key features of 

the land purchase process is presented in Appendix 7.1. 

The Social Support Program by Land Acquisition (SSPLA) will be implemented over a period of about 9 

years, which includes the design of participatory strategies (2 years), the implementation of projects that 



7-31

make up the program (5 years), and the extension of the follow-up, monitoring and evaluation system for 

2 additional years after the project’s completion, as shown in Chart 7.8.2. 

Chart 7.8.2 

Schedule of the Social Support Program by Land Acquisition (SSPLA) 

Stages of design and implementation 

of the SSPLA 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 

Fulfillment of previous agreements X 

Baseline complementation X 

Determination of targeting criteria X 

Project design X 

Design of communication strategy 

Design of the follow-up, monitoring and 

evaluation strategy X 

X 

Implementation of projects: X X X X X 

Investment counseling X 

Income improvement X X X X X 

Support of the adaptation 

process 

X X X 

Basic minimum subsistence X X X X X 

Specialized consulting X X X 

Implementation of the follow-up, 

monitoring and evaluation system, and 

communication strategies 

X X X X X X X 

The detail on strategies to be implemented is described extensively in the Social Support Program by 

Land Acquisition (SSPLA), included in Appendix 7.2. 

Beneficiaries 

Former landowner population. 


Construction and early operation stage. 

7.8.4.4 Code of conduct for employees, contractors and consultants 

Objective 

To establish behavior standards for interaction among employees, contractors and consultants with the 

hamlet population in the area of influence of the Conga Project aiming to create a coexistence 

environment based on trust, mutual respect, and respect for the values and culture of the local population 

and their environment. 

Description 

The code of conduct proposed by MYSRL promotes the establishment of cooperation and good 

neighborly relations with communities in the area of influence of the Conga Project. It identifies the 

ethical and moral values that should govern the actions of those involved in the project (employees, 

contractors and consultants) and how these actions can benefit, affect or harm a person or a particular 



7-32

environment. In this line, it establishes: (1) safety rules, (2) rules on relationships with people, (3) traffic 

rules, (4) rules on the relationship with communities, and (5) rules on relationship with the environment. 

Safety Rules. In general, these rules establish that security must be a constant concern to guide each 

of the actions of those involved in the Conga Project (workers, contractors, and consultants); thus, 

communication with the supervisors of each project area should be fluid, especially when facing any 

potential problem with the communities, where the Community Relations area takes up a main role. 

Rules on relationship with people. These rules state that the conduct must be guided by humility and 

simplicity to provide better levels of dialogue with people in the area of influence (horizontal and 

understandable dialog), respecting their customs, beliefs and lifestyle. It also emphasizes to keep the 

project information confidential and make no public statements as a project representative without prior 

authorization. 

Traffic Rules. In these rules, it is emphasized that both pedestrians and animals always have the 

priority to pass. Moreover, they provide behavior guidelines for a better relationship with the population, 

such as communicating with the utmost respect when driving, respecting the rules of speed limits in 

residential areas, even without traffic signs, or scheduling tasks taking into consideration the community 

holidays. 

Rules of relationships with communities. Considering that the socio-economic context from which many 

people involved in the project come is different from the context of the communities in the area of 

influence (urban vs. rural places), these rules are of great importance for the community relationship to 

be harmonious and respectful of these differences. Therefore, trespassing is prohibited; moreover, no 

physical or verbal aggression to individuals is allowed in the community nor damaging their property. In 

this sense, it is not allowed to carry firearms that could damage people’s physical integrity. Among the 

rules that improve communication and understanding is the respect for local customs and values, 

respect for their authorities and keeping a proper composure in the workplace. 

Rules on the environment. Caring for the environment is crucial to keep up the trust regarding the 

environmental impacts of the project. In this sense, it will be avoided to throw away or to leave waste in 

the environment; also, workplaces will be kept clean; and people will prevent any damage to the 

environment that could jeopardize the project standards or the permits approved by the authority. 

Finally, the compliance with these rules, within a broad code of conduct that incorporates all those 

possibilities in which the actions of those involved in the project could benefit or harm the residents of the 

communities, helps to avoid or mitigate future damage or negative impacts to the psycho-social 

environment that could arise from cultural clashes with the communities in the area of influence. 

Beneficiaries 


Implementation phase 

Pre-construction, construction, operation, and closure. 

7.8.4.5 Policy for the promotion of local culture and customs 

Objective 

To contribute to the conservation and use of local customs in order to generate a greater sense of 

belonging that fosters the search for social development by the whole population of the area of influence. 

Description 

This policy was developed as a mitigation measure of cultural clashes that are generated by the arrival of 

people involved at the Conga Project with lifestyles different from those prevailing in the rural environment 

of the area of influence. Furthermore, this policy is complementary to the code of conduct for workers, 

contractors and consultants. In this sense, through joint work, promoting culture enhances the sense of 

belonging to the community and helps the newly arrived people to feel motivated to seek economic and 

social development. 



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The training of people actively involved with their community and environment generates: (1) social 

capital that invests in community development, (2) a community social climate that promotes trust and 

respects the social differences of people who don’t belong to one’s community, (3) combination of efforts 

and generation of synergies for the pursuit of common goals and social advocacy. 

Therefore, the revaluation of the traditions (dances, folklore, artistic expressions, etc.), history, and all 

assets, tangible and intangible, that are part of the society, within the context of the area of influence, lead 

to a better coexistence and union, which in turn increases the general social well-being. 

The Policy for the promotion of local culture and customs is implemented through the promotion of local 

activities that revalue the historical, social, and cultural heritage of the communities in the area of 

influence. To do this, we sponsor, for example, the development of local festivals, contests that 

strengthen the sense of local belonging, awareness workshops on local culture, or other activities that 

generate greater sense of local belonging and, as a consequence, a high commitment to the economic 

and social development. 

Beneficiaries 

Rural ADI and AII. 


Construction and operation. 

7.8.4.6 Policy for Local Purchasing and Hiring 

Objective 

To contribute to the development and strengthening of trade and economic activities in the area of 

influence of the Conga Project. 

Description 

MYSRL’s policy for purchasing and hiring local companies seeks to include as managing agents of the 

development of their area of influence those companies that have both a high level of social and 

environmental responsibility, and such a business performance that they have the ability to supply the 

goods and services necessary for the various stages of the mining activities. These companies must be 

committed to the economic and social development of their surroundings. In order to promote this for 

contracting, the policy establishes a series of prerequisites for local businesses to participate in the 

contracting process, among which are the following: 

Ensuring that 68percent of the recruited workforce consists of local workers. 

Keeping the municipal operating license valid. 

Defining a specialization or demonstrate that the company is in the process of obtaining it. 

Having appropriate assets, i.e. having machinery and equipment according to the service it offers. 

Registration in the register of MYSRL or in the associations it has formed, according to the timelines 

established by the mining company. 

Holding a certificate of Consucode or proving that it is in process of being obtained. 

Holding an active RUC number and a constitution capital equal to or greater than US$ 50,000. 

Providing an adequate trade history, or of business and individual management in the Infocorp and / or 

Certicom records. 

Compliance with internal contracting procedures provided by the mining company. 

The criterion for hiring companies is strictly business-related. 

Companies that carry out illegal or disturbing actions against social harmony are excluded. 

In general, the policy prioritizes hiring local SMEs that meet the technical, commercial, and security 

requirements to carry out the services required by the mining company. 



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The contracting strategy driven by the policy, seeks to solve the problems that often occur with small and 

medium scale contractors: (1) continuous creation of local businesses that require contracts, (2) lack of 

cash flow, fragility of operating capital , and lack of experience of local firms, (3) high incidence of 

bankruptcies and failure to comply with the contractual obligations, (4) lack of expertise and knowledge to 

understand and develop their cost structure, (5) inability to meet technical and trade requirements, (6) low 

level of commitment of the small contractors in the community with large contractors concerning 

subcontracts, and (7) delays in partial payments and final payment for the provision of goods or services. 

This strategy sets out seven key actions: 

1. Segmentation of contractors. This is given by classifying SMEs into small and medium-sized 

businesses. 

2. Training. Through ALAC (Los Andes Cajamarca Association) the area of External Affairs creates, 

implements and schedules training sessions for local SMEs on the following subjects: business 

administration, recruitment, accounting, taxation, and business and legal affairs. 

3. “The companies contracted must succeed”. To fulfill this sentence the following activities will be 

performed: Follow up on the labor, tax and contractual compliance of contracted companies; 

establishment of a control and inspection schedule of contractors (payments, insurance, debts, 

outstanding payments, etc.); implementation of a program to support small businesses and train 

them in-situ (coaching); timely payment in accordance with the contract terms negotiated; and 

limitation of the contract limits to one, without exception. 

4. Managing expectations. Information is provided on the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders 

(government, business, and communities) and how the economic cycle evolves (political, social 

and legal stability, investment attraction, project generation, generation of jobs, etc.). 

5. Alternative work and sustainable development programs. These programs seek to develop 

sustainable business opportunities with communities and their companies in activities that are not 

necessarily linked to the mine. 

6. Meeting commitments with contractors. 

7. Standardized process for managing work requests, complaints, and claims. This process occurs 

through a single canal of communication: the Department of Contracts. 

The plan for local services is presented in Chart 7.8.3: 

Chart 7.8.3 

Available services for local contracting 

N° Service 

1 Air conditioning / heating 

2 Rental of miscellaneous equipment 

3 Rental of vehicles and personnel carrier 

4 Carpentry 

5 Merchandising 

6 Design, printing, publishing and photocopying 

7 Miscellaneous metallic structures 

8 Industrial hygiene and cleanliness 

9 Technical inspections 

10 Cleaning and street cleansing 

11 Mastersmith workshop 

12 Waste Management 

13 Minor equipment maintenance 

14 Tire and rim maintenance 

15 Floor jobs 

16 Miscellaneous 



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N° Service 

17 Minor civil works 

18 Industrial painting and equipment 

19 Signposting 

20 Upholstery 

21 Taxi 

For purchases, regardless of the product origin (local or nonlocal), MYSRL considers three variables: (1) 

potential added value, (2) business risk, and (3) number of transactions. The first variable, the potential 

added value, is classified according to the following criteria: total cost, delivery deadlines, continuous 

improvement, pricing and cost analysis, productivity, and cost of processing. In the case of risk, the 

following elements are considered: criticality of production, safety, health, and environment, presence of 

limited sources of supply, competitive situation, continuity of supply, and barriers set by the government. 

In order to establish a purchase preference among different local suppliers, MYSRL establishes four 

categories based on the total amount of purchase. Thus, the chart below shows the maximum 

differences in prices between local and non-local providers by category and agents responsible for 

authorizing purchases. This means that a local company can quote a budget over a non-local company, 

up to the maximum difference presented, and be accepted (Chart 7.8.4). 

Chart 7.8.4 

Maximum price differences between 

local and nonlocal suppliers 

Purchase Amount percent Difference 

Amount of maximum 

difference 

0 – 30,000 20 6,000 

30 001 – 200,000 10 20,000 

200 001 – 500,000 8 40,000 

500 001 – 1,000,000 5 50,000 

Finally, the Policy for Local Purchasing and Hiring, by giving priority to those products or services of the 

area of influence of similar features and prices compared to those abroad, promotes the economic and 

commercial development of this area and generates beneficial derived effects for the population, among 

which employment growth is one of the most important. 

Beneficiaries 

ADI and AII. 


Construction, operation, and closure. 

7.8.4.7 Plan for local training and employment (PCEL) 

Objective 

To contribute to the generation of employment opportunities for residents in the area of influence, 

according to the existing labor demand within the Conga Project. 

Description 

This plan seeks to promote the positive impacts generated by the increased demand for employment in 

the area of influence of the Conga project. Thus, a boosting effect comes from two factors: (1) an 

increased demand for local employment and (2) a training and education program developed at all stages 

of the project (pre-construction, construction, operation, and closure). 



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The greater demand for local employment and the improvement of the production capacities contribute to 

an increased income level of families in the area of influence. This means a better quality of life and 

greater economic and social well-being. 

The development of the Plan for Local Training and Employment (PCEL) occurs in six phases: 

Phase 1: Collection, Validation of General Register of Residents 

A general register of population of each hamlet will be processed in coordination with the local authorities 

of the rural ADI and AII. This shall include: age, gender, identification document, occupation, and 

education level of residents. Then, the Department of Community Relations will publish the register for 

review and possible comments. The register will be validated at an assembly of residents of each hamlet, 

summoned by their authorities. It should be noted that the validation of the register requires that a 

resident not be registered in more than one hamlet and, in the case of unusual inhabitants of the hamlet, 

their inclusion will be subject to the decision of the assembly of residents of the hamlet. Also, the registers 

will be updated annually. 

Phase 2: Criteria for the allocation of job positions by hamlet 

A “priority list per hamlet” will be prepared. Then, the priority order of these positions will be established 

by a draw made by the representatives of each hamlet. The turnover time will be established according 

to the period of training and the work to perform, which could be: (1) temporary jobs (one to three months) 

that require basic training, (2) permanent job, and (3) job that are not in the rotation process because they 

were committed beforehand by a project area when establishing the negotiations with the hamlets. In the 

event that there is an excess in the demand for labor in the hamlet, the excess demand will be covered by 

the people of the hamlet that comes next on the priority list and, if not sufficient, there will be an external 

call. 

Phase 3: Recruitment and selection 

A matrix of the project work plan will be developed indicating the areas, job positions, works and periods 

when personnel is required. The selection of personnel selection will give priority to local people who 

meet the qualification and experience requirements of available positions, also considering their 

characteristics of vulnerability. 

Phase 4: Communication 

Communication with the residents of the area of influence will be clear, in order to build a relationship 

based on transparency that permits a good assimilation of the benefits the employment plan brings. At 

the beginning, an information leaflet will be prepared to be distributed in the area of influence and priority 

will be given to deal directly through the "door to door” strategy. Once the development of the plan is on 

track, the views of community leaders regarding the progress of the plan and its impact on the area of 

influence will be sought. The exact details on the process and the number of beneficiaries at the end of 

each period (annual) will be presented at a general assembly. 

Phase 5: Training and Education 

At this stage, training and education modules will be prepared as required by each stage of the Conga 

project. These include: (1) social development (pre-construction), (2) construction, and (3) operation. It is 

worth mentioning that the training is exclusively for registered residents and focuses on the knowledge, 

skills, and competencies needed to perform well in every job position. 

Training in the social development stage will be set around three programs: temporary employment 

program (ADI), orientation program for work (ADI), and sustainable development program (ADI and IIA). 

The first will be implemented throughout 2009 and addresses the training of participants on topics that 

allow them to develop their basic tasks safely and taking into account the policies and standards of the 

company. The topics to be covered are: safety, health, and environmental management; induction in 

social responsibility; code of conduct, proactive attitude, and values; disciplinary procedures; and courses 



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and workshops on hand tools and basic tasks. The training of this first program will last 32 hours and will 

be provided for 4 days. The estimated amount of personnel to be trained is 25. However, this ratio can 

vary according to the requirements of the areas of geology, projects, lands, and others. 

Meanwhile, the second program, “Program of orientation for work”, lasts 4 weeks and aims to develop the 

capacities based on the tasks that can be applied in the construction stage. The number of unqualified 

personnel is estimated at 800 for this stage, amount that will be covered mainly by the Working Age 

Population (WAP) of the ADI. 

The training will start with the pre-construction stage and will cover the following topics: the company 

values, basic security at work, basic measurements, basic math for the construction, use of nails and 

screws, using hand tools and hand power tools, use of concrete blocks and bricks, and training in minor 

construction (leveling, foundations, walls, etc.). 

The last program, the “Sustainable Development Program”, aims to achieve credibility and trust towards 

the project, following a long-term approach that is supposed to make the construction, operation and 

closure of the mine, socially and politically viable. Thus, work will be performed jointly with strategic 

partners such as ALAC, FONCREAGRO, the solidarity mining fund of Cajamarca, Funder-Cofide, IPAE, 

among others, who are implementing projects such as: UNICAS, PREDEC, Successful Schools, etc. 

Training programs to be carried out at this stage include the following lines of action: rural electrification, 

water and sanitation, agriculture, nutrition and health, road infrastructure and strengthening of capacity 

building. 

Training in the construction stage will be done through subcontractor companies. They will be provided 

with the list of workers who passed the orientation course for the work. The Conga Project will support 

subcontractors in the monitoring, follow-up, and training of prospective candidates to perform tasks in the 


Finally, at this last stage (operation), the Conga Project will implement training programs only for those 

residents who live in the area of direct influence; these programs are: electrical mechanical maintenance 

technicians, operators of mining equipment, and plant operators. 

Phase 6: Labor Reinsertion 

The culmination of the mine operations could result in a large labor force being deprived of employment. 

To avoid this negative effect, a work reinsertion program will be performed, whose implementation will 

begin before the closure of the mine. The implementation of this program comes from the sustainability 

criteria governing the set of measures outlined in this plan. Thus, the positive effects of employment 

generation in the area of influence of the Conga project would extend beyond the operation life of the 

mine. 

Beneficiaries 

Rural ADI and rural AII, with greater relevance in the ADI 

Implementation date 

Pre-construction, construction, operation, and closure 

7.8.4.8 Capacity building for design and management of investment projects of local governments 

Objective 

To contribute to the improvement of local management of district and provincial municipalities included in 

the project area of influence, for the efficient use of resources received from the canon and mining 

royalties, within a context that follows the guidelines of a participatory and sustainable social and 

economic development process. 

Description 



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The enhancement of capacities for designing and managing investment projects of local governments is a 

measure that aims to boost the positive impacts resulting from the use of resources from canon and 

mining royalties. This measure is complementary to the sub-line of action of the Community Relations 

Plan (CRP) regarding “support to local management,” which is included in the action line about 

“institutional strengthening.” 

In general, public entities responsible for managing the funds received from canon and mining royalties 

tend not to spend efficiently due to the limited expertise of their staff, which in most cases has poor 

training in the handling of systems and standards of budget management (Integrated Financial 

Management System (IFMS, (National System of Public Investment), participatory budgeting, etc.) . 

Also, the absence of local development plans that have been prepared in a participatory manner, with 

clearly established spending priorities for the short, medium, and long term, makes it difficult to 

adequately distribute the resources in activities that have an impact that is really beneficial for the 

population. 

The described context is even more problematic in remote rural or urban areas; therefore, in order to help 

that the use of the funds generated by canon and royalties is efficiently managed in the area of influence 

of MYSRL, this empowerment measure includes the provision of assistance and training to public entities 

linked to the use of the canon fees and royalties. The training is part of the institutional agreements with 

the municipalities to improve their local management, and promotes the transmission of knowledge about 

techniques for project formulation, participatory budgeting, budget management, the Integrated Financial 

Management System (SIAF), and the National System of Public Investment (SNIP), among others. The 

university, beneficiary by Law of the mining royalties, should be incorporated into the process. 

Beneficiaries 

District and provincial governments and public universities in the ADI and AII. 


Operation. 

7.8.4.9 Social Communication Plan (SCP) 

Objective 

To develop the foundation for communication that makes it possible to inform the population involved in 

the area of influence in a clear, timely and effective way about the project development and the impact 

management measures as well as the social responsibility activities comprised in the Social Management 

Plan (PGS). 

Description 

Planning communication provides the benefit that it turns communication into a tool for social 

development and organizational management. The Social Communication Plan (SCP) identifies and 

describes the main communication strategies to be implemented to provide effective and timely 

communication, and thereby strengthen the relationship between the community and the company. The 

Social Communication Plan (SCP) is a useful tool that will strengthen the communication flow between 

project workers, contractors and the local population. Furthermore, it will spread information about the 

Project Social Management Plan (PGS). 

The Social Communication Plan (SCP) is based on a diagnosis that helps to identify the main trends of 

communication between the figures involved in the development of the project (employees, contractors 

and people of the area of influence). The results have shown the need to develop strategies that meet 

the specific needs of the internal and external context of the project. 

The Internal Social Communication Plan (PCSI) presents the strategies that will strengthen the 

communication canals between employees and contractors with the Conga Project. On the other hand, 

the External Social Communication Plan (PCSE) presents the strategies that will strengthen the 



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communication canals between the workers and the population of the direct and indirect area of influence 

of the urban and rural areas of the Conga Project. 

For more details on this measure of impact management, please review the section of the Social 

Communication Plan (SCP). 

Benefited area 

ADI and AII. 



7.8.4.10 Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) 

Objective 

To generate an inclusive and participatory mechanism of work among the population of the Area of Direct 

Influence (ADI) of the Conga Project, the company and the State (local level) aimed at building trust and 

credibility in the social environment of the Conga Project. 

Description 

The Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) includes strategies aimed at 

collecting information on a regular basis on the performance of each of the plans, programs and projects 

implemented by MYSRL in relation to the Conga Project. However, unlike in conventional monitoring, 

participatory monitoring actively involves the entire population of the ADI. This implies that people in the 

ADI can be part of the process of systematic registration of information, providing their point of view as 

beneficiaries of each program in order to achieve the proposed objectives. Monitoring involves the 

collection of socio-economic indicators before the project implementation, during implementation and 

after ceasing operations, such as to ensure compliance with sustainability criteria. 

For more details on this measure of impact management, please see the section of the Social and 

Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP). 

Benefited area 

ADI and AII 



7.8.4.11 Recovery of natural pastures 

Objective 

To implement and maintain pastures for livestock use in the ADI, within the limits of the land acquired by 

the project. 

Description 

This measure seeks to mitigate the impact associated with the loss of grazing areas that were used by 

people engaged in this activity and who were not owners of the land acquired by the project. 

To mitigate this impact, the project will assign part of the company's land bordering the circumscribed 

hamlets that lie around the project site area for recovery and maintenance of pastures in order to help to 

develop the grazing activity. 

The management of the use of these areas will be conducted by the hamlets, so the local residents are 

who will set the criteria for the use of the pastures. This is important because they are who know best 

who have really been affected and who have greater legitimacy to lead this process. 



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However, since this is an impact management measure, MYSRL will only establish two criteria to be 

respected for the residents to be able to use the land. The first criterion is associated with establishing a 

measure of total maximum use, so that the sustainability of these areas is not threatened. The second 

criterion states that no person shall be prioritized over those people who did use these lands the way 

already described. Thus, the community can administrate the quotas that are left after assignment to the 

people directly affected as it deems most appropriate, without being detrimental to those people. 

Benefiting area 

ADI. 


Construction, operation, and closure. 

7.9 Social Communication Plan (SCP) 


One of the benefits of planning communication is that one obtains a tool for social development and 

organizational management. The Social Communication Plan (SCP) identifies and describes the main 

communication strategies to be implemented to provide an effective and timely communication, and to 

thereby strengthen the community-company relationship during the different stages of the project. 

The SCP is a useful tool that will strengthen the flow of communication between project workers, 

contractors and the local population. Also, it will disseminate information regarding the Social 

Management Plan (SMP) of the project. The Social Communication Plan (SCP) is complemented by the 

Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) in the proposition of guidelines, messages and strategies to be used 

during the stages prior to the construction stage of the project, and for the project construction and 

operation stages. Similarly, the Social Conceptual Closure Plan (SCCP), which has a conceptual nature, 

contains the framework strategies to be carried out for this stage, including the design of an exclusive 

communication plan for the project closure stage. 

This Social Communication Plan (SCP) was developed based on an assessment that identified the main 

communication trends between those involved in the development of the project (workers, contractors 

and people in the area of influence). The results showed the need to develop strategies that meet the 

specific needs of the internal and external context of the project. 

The Internal Social Communication Plan (ISCP) presents the strategies that will strengthen 

communication canals between employees and contractors of the Conga Project. On the other hand, the 

External Social Communication Plan (ESCP) presents the strategies that will strengthen communication 

canals between workers and the population of the area of direct and indirect influence of the urban and 

rural areas of the Conga Project. 


7.9.2.1 General objective 

To develop the foundation for a communication that makes it possible to inform the population involved in 

the area of influence in a clear, timely, and effective way about the project development and the impact 

management measures and social responsibility activities comprised in the Social Management Plan 

(SMP). 


To solve the concerns and to focus on the demands of the population of the project’s area of influence 

through an assertive communication and within the framework of the rules for co-existence, values of 

respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms , and local culture within the company’s standard 

framework. 



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To promote dialog and active participation of stakeholders in the area of direct and indirect influence of 

the project. 

To enhance the image as a socially responsible company committed to local development. 


The methodology used in the preparation of the Social Communication Plan (SCP) provides two 

procedures: (1) the development of the project communication diagnosis and (2) the design of 

communication strategies that contribute to the solution of the weaknesses and problems identified. 

Diagnosis of communication 

The diagnosis of communication is the result of the identification of communication trends between 

workers, consultants and the people in the area of influence of the project, and of getting to know the 

impact of internal and external media. 

This information is outlined on a "problem tree", methodology that facilitates the visualization of the 

sequence of main communication problems through chains of cause and effect. This way we can 

distinguish which problems are the main ones. 

The problems identified are based on the information gathered during field work and on the revised 

secondary sources of information. We analyzed the results of the Social Baseline and subsequent studies 

performed on the project: 

“Imagen del proyecto” (“Project Image”), prepared by DATUM in August 2008. 

“Imagen del Proyecto Conga”, (“Image of the Conga Project”) prepared by IPSOS APOYO, September 

2009. 

"Identification of the processes that transform social conflicts in social crises”, produced by SASE 

Consultants in October 2008. 

“Evaluación de los conflictos derivados del Proyecto Conga - Cajamarca” (“Assessment of the conflicts 

derived from the Conga Project – Cajamarca”) prepared by the Center for Analysis and Resolution of 

Conflicts of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru between July 2006 and January 2007. 

Design of communication strategies 

Based on a communication diagnosis, communication strategies were designed aiming to provide 

solutions for the main communication problems identified. Strategies include messages, activities and 

resources to be applied during the approval stages of the EIA, construction, operation and closure of the 

project. 

7.9.4 Communication diagnosis 

The synthesis of the analysis on major trends and communication problems is presented in Graph 7.9.1. 

This scheme allows us to observe two trends that cause difficulties in the communication process of the 

project: 1) the inconsistent communication canals among workers in different areas of the project and 2) 

the lack of spaces and tools for coordination and exchange among these figures. Both problems reinforce 

themselves through a feedback loop, thus hindering communication and the organization management 

process and generating a series of problems that can lead to: 

Item 1: Weak awareness of the rules of co-existence and values of the company, such as respect for 

local culture. 

Item 2: Lack of awareness of workers and contractors regarding the communication canals between the 

community and the company. 

Item 3: Use of incomplete information on the social investment of the Conga Project in the surrounding 

communities. 

Item 1 



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The lack of awareness and internalization, among workers, of the coexistence rules and of the company 

values can affect the interaction between workers and local people and therefore undermine the 

community-company relationship. 

According to the study performed by DATUM in August 2008, only 35 percent of those who are familiar 

with the project indicated that project workers are friendly with the residents, 21 percent said that workers 

are respectful of the standards, and 20 percent of the population reported that they comply with order and 

cleanliness. 58 percent of the population does not know what to say about the behavior of workers in the 

Conga Project. Likewise, only 37 percent of the population in the area of influence considers that the 

Conga Project will respect the lifestyle and customs of the residents, and 21 percent believes that they 

will not respect them. 

Thus, the Internal Social Communication Plan (ISCP) includes a strategy aimed at strengthening 

company values such as respect for local culture and commitment to social development among its 

employees, so as to strengthen relations between workers within the company and thus enhance 

coordination and teamwork. Consequently, this will strengthen the relations between the company and 

the population of the area of influence of the project. 

Item 2 

The lack of awareness of the communication canals between people and the company could lead to a 

weak capacity to respond to the concerns and demands of local figures. 

As a result, people may feel that they do not have enough information about the project and this may 

cause unrest and distrust. Furthermore, it can generate perceptions and expectations that do not 

correspond to the project development and the principles of the company. 

The study performed by DATUM states that 94 percent of the population believes that they do not have 

enough information about the project, especially on the following topics: mining stages, the potential 

impact of the project on both the environment and the development of productive activities, and 

employment opportunities that would be generated by the project. 

It is important to note that the issue of impact on the environment is of primary interest to the community. 

According to the performed studies, 68 percent of the population is sure that the project development will 

generate a larger environmental impact; 78 percent is convinced that the river volumes will be reduced 

and 81 percent believes that the crops will be affected. 

Item 3 

On the other hand, it can also be observed that 63 percent of the population in the area of influence 

considers that the project will generate little employment, 54 percent believes it will contribute little to the 

development of the town and 30 percent believes that there will be little respect to the property of the 

residents. 

According to research conducted by the Center for Analysis and Resolution of Conflicts of the Pontifical 

Catholic University of Peru, 57 percent of the community authorities interviewed said that the communities 

are interested in achieving work quotas in the project. However, they expect that the distribution of quotas 

by the project is carried out in a “fair way.” 

Also, the population has little information on successful experiences of social development and 

environmental management of mining companies in the Cajamarca region and on the mining canon. The 

results of the study performed by DATUM show that 48 percent of the population in the area of influence 

considered that mining activities contribute little to the development of localities, 69 percent is not aware 

of the mining canon and 71 percent considers that mining is the main source of environmental impact. 



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Facing this scenery, the Internal Social Communication Plan (ISCP) introduces strategies aimed at 

improving communication canals based on tools and mechanisms that foster the communication skills of 

project workers in order that they communicate information clearly and in a timely fashion so that all are 

aware of project operations and activities and commitments involving the population. 

The External Social Communication Plan (ESCP), meanwhile, will incorporate communication strategies 

to ensure a flow of clear and relevant information to the population regarding the operation of the project. 

These strategies will send strong messages emphasizing the commitment of the project to local 

development through the actions of the Social Management Plan (SMP), such as measures of 

environmental and social impact management and local employment policies, among others, and will 

develop activities that fit the context of the rural and urban population in the area of influence of the 

project. 

7.9.5 Internal Social Communication Plan (ISCP) 

The Internal Social Communication Plan (ISCP) is aimed at strengthening communication canals within 

the project, and, thus, at reinforcing teamwork, improving the work environment and strengthening 

respect among workers and respect for the local culture. This plan will be a factor of motivation, 

integration, and development for workers of the Conga Project and will establish the conditions to 

strengthen the business-community relations. 

The strategies of the Internal Social Communication Plan (ISCP) will be applied during the approval 

stages of the EIA, as well as during construction, operation, and closure of the project. 

Target Audience 

This plan is aimed at the domestic front of the company that is comprised of the following figures: 

Project workers. 

Contractors, suppliers of goods and services in the area of influence of the project. 

Internal communication strategies 

Chart 7.9.1 presents the summary of communication strategies that will be implemented to meet the 

internal communication needs identified in the diagnosis. Also, this chart serves as timetable for the 

implementation of strategies at different stages. 

Nº Strategies 

I 

II 

Transmission of strong messages 

about the company values: the 

importance of respect among workers, 

as well as respect for the local culture 

and fulfillment of the Code of Conduct 

by project workers. 

To strengthen the communication 

canals and the level of 

information shared among 

workers of the different areas of 

this project regarding 

communication canals between 

the company and the community. 

Chart 7.9.1 

Internal communication strategies 

Stages 

EIA approval Construction Operation Closure 

X X X X 

X X X X 



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Below is a description of each strategy and its components. 

Strategy I 

Dissemination of strong messages about the company values: the importance of respect among workers, 

as well as respect for the local culture and compliance with the Code of Conduct by project workers. 

This strategy is aimed at strengthening the work culture within the Conga Project, promoting respect for 

the local culture. Also, it will emphasize the internalization of the Code of Conduct for workers and 

contractors of the project, a measure of the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP), which provides 

behavior guidelines for interaction among employees and contractors so as to generate a coexistence 

environment based on mutual respect and respect for the values and culture of the local population and 

its environment. 

In Tables 7.9.1, 7.9.2 and 7.9.3 are the messages, activities and resources of this strategy for each stage 

of the project. 

Strategy II 

To strengthen communication canals and the level of information shared among workers of the different 

areas of the Conga Project regarding the communication canals between the company and the 

community. 

To strengthen communication canals among managers and coordinators of different areas, the plant 

workers and contractors. This strategy will make it possible to align the communication canals 

established between the company and the population to collect the demands and concerns of the 

population. 

Table 7.9.4 presents the activities and resources of this strategy for the stages of the EIA approval, 

construction, operation, and closure of the project. 

7.9.6 External Social Communication Plan (ESCP) 

The External Social Communication Plan (ESCP) includes communication strategies that will be 

implemented on the external front of the project in the approval stages of the EIA, as well as in the 

construction, operation and closure stages. It includes strategies to inform the community in a clear and 

transparent way on the development of project activities. Furthermore, it considers the promotion of 

dialog and the active participation of local actors in order to strengthen the trust relation between the 

company and the population. 

Target Audience 

This plan is aimed at the external front of the Conga Project, that is, everyone in the area of direct and 

indirect influence of the project. Thus, the following actors were identified as the target audience: 

Local authorities 

Political authorities 

Community leaders 

Opinion leaders 

The general population 

External Communication Strategies 

Chart 7.9.2 presents the communication strategies to be implemented to meet the communication needs 

of the external environment of the project identified in the diagnosis. This chart also serves as timetable 

for the implementation of strategies at different stages. 

Chart 7.9.2 



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No. Strategies 

I 

II 

III 

IV 

V 

VI 

VII 

Dissemination of messages 

containing strong ideas about the 

social benefits and the successful 

experiences that have been 

achieved in the Cajamarca region as 

a result of the presence of mining 

companies. 

Dissemination of messages 

containing strong ideas about the 

benefits of developing the project 

and the possibilities of supporting 

development projects that are 

framed by the CDP (the Concerted 

Development Plan), acting as a 

strategic partner but not as a 

substitute of the local, provincial, 

regional or national government. 

Dissemination of messages about 

the Plan for Local Training and 

Employment (PLTE), reporting about 

its benefits for the population of the 

area of direct influence. 

Socialization of the social and 

environmental management actions 

of the project, emphasizing the 

participation in the Social and 

Environmental Participatory 

Monitoring Plan (SEPMP). 

Informing about the Social Support 

Program by Land Acquisition 

(SSPLA) and its benefits. 

Dissemination of clear and accurate 

information about the mining canon 

and its impact at the regional level. 

Dissemination of clear and accurate 

information about the characteristics 

of the project closure. 

External communication strategies 

Project Stages 

EIA Approval Construction Operation Closure 

X X 

X X X 

X X X X 

X X X X 

X X X 

X X X 



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X X X 

Below is a description of each strategy and its components as a function of the implementation stage: 

messages, activities, and resources, in accordance with the needs of rural and urban areas. 

Strategy I 

Dissemination of messages containing powerful ideas about the social benefits and successful 

experiences achieved in the Cajamarca region as a result of the presence of mining companies.

This strategy is designed to visualize the successful experiences in social development and 

environmental management of mining companies in the Cajamarca region during the EIA approval stage 

and during project construction. This strategy aims to inform about the contribution of the mining activity 

to the local development. 

Table 7.9.5 presents the messages, activities, and resources of this strategy for the stages of the EIA 

approval and construction of the project. 

Strategy II 

Dissemination of messages containing powerful ideas about the benefits of developing the project and 

the possibilities of supporting development projects that are framed within the Concerted Development 

Plan, acting as a strategic partner but not as a substitute for the local, provincial, regional or national 

government. 

This communication strategy will contribute to making known both the Conga Project and the 

socioeconomic development activities that it would develop along the action lines of the Social 

Management Plan (SMP) in the area of influence of the project. This strategy will help to enhance the 

image of the Conga Project as a socially responsible organization and a strategic partner of local 

development. 


approval and construction of the project, while Table 7.9.7 shows the messages, activities and resources 

of this strategy for the operation stage of the project. 

Strategy III 

Dissemination of messages about the Plan for Local Training and Employment (PLTE), and informing 

about its benefits to the population of the area of influence. 

The third strategy of the Internal Social Communication Plan (ISCP) is aimed at informing about the Plan 

for Local Training and Employment (PLTE), included in the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP), 

which will benefit people in the area of influence of the project and will support the comprehensive 

development of the project workers. 

Table 7.9.8 presents the messages, activities and resources of this strategy for the stages of the EIA 

approval and construction of the project, while Table 7.9.9 shows the messages, activities and resources 

of this strategy for the operation stage and project closure. 

Strategy IV 

Socialization of the environmental and social management actions of the project, emphasizing 

participatory monitoring practices with local actors to check the quality and quantity of water. 

The fourth strategy of the External Social Communication Plan (ESCP) will help to inform about steps of 

the social and environmental impact management of the project. It will also help to address the concerns 

and to dispel the worries of the population of the area of influence regarding the impact of the project on 

the environment, especially on the quality and quantity of the water and, in turn, on health and on the 

development of agricultural and cattle production activities. Thus, this strategy comprises the socializing 

activities of the Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP), among other measures 

of the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP). 


approval and construction of the project, while Table 7.9.11 presents the messages, activities and 

resources of this strategy for the operation stage and the project closure. 

Strategy V 



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Dissemination of the Social Support Program by Land Acquisition (SSPLA) and its benefits. 

This strategy aims to disseminate the measures of the Social Support Program by Land Acquisition 

(SSPLA) for the former landowner population located in the area of influence of the project. This strategy 

seeks to inform the community about the activities of the program, aimed at strengthening the capacities 

and socio-economic conditions of the families of the former landowner, so that the land acquisition 

process is beneficial for those who decided to sell their land and for those that, although they are not 

owners themselves, are economically or socially related to them. 


approval and construction of the project, while Table 7.9.13 presents messages, activities and resources 

of this strategy for the operation stage of the project. 

Strategy VI 

Dissemination of clear and accurate information about the mining canon and its impact at the regional 

and national level. 

The sixth strategy of the External Social Communication Plan (E) has the purpose of informing the 

community clearly about the mining canon, how the funds are invested, and what their impacts are at the 

regional and national level. The goal is to bridge the information gaps that people have in this regard. 

The messages of this strategy will be disseminated on a permanent basis during the different stages of 

the project. 

Table 7.9.14 presents the messages, activities and resources of this strategy for the stages of the EIA 

approval and project construction. 

7.9.7 Social and Environment Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) 

7.9.7.1 Introduction 

The activities that MYSRL develops in the different stages of the Conga Project are framed in the 

international standards of social and environmental management. Thus, for MYSRL the participation of 

the population in developing the Conga Project is a very important process because it makes it possible 

to work together both with the population and the other stakeholders involved, creating synergies and 

preventing possible or potential conflicts. Furthermore, it is a lever to build, create, or strengthen 

relationships of trust and credibility between the company, the community, and the state. 

One of the ways for the population to join the Conga Project in a positive way is to work in the creation 

and implementation of a Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP), so as to be 

able to progress on such important issues as transparency, trust generation, and local development. 

The Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) is a management tool to follow-up 

the various social and environmental activities that the Conga Project will develop according to the 

approaches outlined in the EIA. This is a participatory process that seeks to generate trust and credibility 

among different actors, through the implementation of a set of tools that will make the social and 

environmental practices of the project transparent in all the stages. It also seeks to timely identify 

improvement spaces in the management of these practices, thus contributing to the achievement of the 

social and environmental objectives proposed. With regard to its organization, the Social and 

Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) will create a Participatory Monitoring Committee 

(MPC) in each of the 11 hamlets of the ADI of the project, which will be made up by representatives of the 

population (Community Monitor), the local government, and the company. The Participatory Monitoring 

Committee (PMC) is, therefore, an institution that acts as link between the company and the population. 

The Conga Project has already become a major player in the life of the population involved. The 

exploratory campaigns, the development of the baseline studies and the project development process 

towards the exploration stage, all have generated spaces of confluence and exchange between the 



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project representatives and the population. Based on the transmission of knowledge (back and forth) 

between the population and the company, spaces have been created that make it possible to create 

identity and foster greater social support towards the mining activity. 

It is for this reason that participatory monitoring is considered by the Conga Project as a process that 

makes it possible to build and strengthen relationships between the company and the population in the 

area of influence, because: 

It is an inclusive process. 

It is a process that seeks to create and build synergies between the community, the company and the 

State (at its various levels) for the development of a joint work. 

It is a process that seeks, through transparency, to build mutual trust between the population and the 

company. 

It is a process that falls within the Framework of Corporate Social Responsibility of MYSRL, and within 

the General Framework of Sustainable Local Development of the area of influence of the Conga 


It is a process that builds and creates local capacity strengthening. 

It is a process that seeks to place the population located in the area of influence of the project in the 

category of strategic partners, thus seeking to define and establish a vision and common goals among 

the different stakeholders that are participating, with a sustainable character. 

In that line, the Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) will take advantage of 

the most important scenarios to be created in the process of pre-construction, construction, operation and 

closure of the project, namely: the process of monitoring the environmental parameters (in its participatory 

component), the implementation of the social management plans, such as the Community Relations Plan 

(CRP), the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) and the Social Communication Plan (SCP) as well as 

the Citizen Participation Plan (CFP). 

In these scenarios, the Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) will seek 

synergies, trust and identity among the population of the area of influence based on training, engaging, 

disseminating information, listening, participating with opinions and transparency with the population of 

the area of influence in the final phase of the pre-construction stage and in the following stages of 

construction, operation and closure. 

Given the importance of this plan, its design includes the most important aspects of the corporate 

documents of MYSRL, such as the Practical Guide for Transparency in Community Relations and the 

Capacity Building Guide, both documents prepared by Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) for 

Newmont Corporation in 2006 and 2007, respectively. 

7.9.7.2 Objectives 

7.9.7.3 General Objective 

To build an inclusive and participatory work mechanism between the people of the ADI of the Conga 

Project, the company and the State (local level) aimed at building trust and credibility in the social 

environment of the Conga Project. 


To provide timely and appropriate information to those responsible for decision making of the Conga 

Project and to the stakeholders, promoting co-management and co-responsibility in the activities 

included in the Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP). 

To strengthen local capacities for effective and informed participation. 

To build a mechanism for dialogue and exchange of information and views between the community, the 

company and the State. 

To promote the joint development of activities that are sustainable over time and of mutual benefit. 



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To prevent social conflicts by creating a climate of social stability. 

To legitimate the Conga Project as an agent of development within the area of influence of the project 

and MYSRL as a socially and environmentally responsible company. 


The Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) is a working tool based on the joint and 

coordinated action by representatives of the main actors of the ADI of the project, going from formulation 

up to implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of a group of environmental indicators and social issues 

relevant to the implementation of the Conga project. 

The Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) is the central instrument for monitoring 

the implementation of the Community Relations Plan (CRP), the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP), 

the Citizen Participation Plan (CPP), and the Social Communication Plan (SCP). In regard to 

environmental monitoring, the Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) contributes, 

through its organizational structure, to supporting the environmental monitoring process that the company 

puts in place, as well as to the monitoring of non-scientific indicators defined by the community as 

important. 

Thus, the methodology for its design proposes: 

First, the definition of the phases that will lead to its development. In this regard, six steps are 

suggested, which begin with a workshop to communicate and give an explanation to the community and 

local authorities, and conclude with the completion of a pilot test and the implementation of the Social 


Secondly, we propose the organization of the main actors involved, where one of the key elements is 

the formation of the Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC) for each of the 11 hamlets in the ADI. 

This committee would consist of a representative of the hamlet (Community Monitor), a representative 

of the local government belonging to the hamlet and a company representative. It is necessary to 

mention the important role played by the Participatory Monitoring Committees (PMCs) regarding the 

involvement and participation in social and environmental issues. For this reason, we propose that such 

experiences be also applied to purely social interventions, or to the social interventions arising from the 

environmental component. 

Thirdly, we present the components of the Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan 

(SEPMP). These correspond to the main groups of intervention that are part of the SIA: social 

investment, social impact management, citizen participation, and social communication; and to the 

environmental component. 

Fourth, the tools for the gathering of information and for the periodic reports are prepared. 

Fifth, training sessions are developed for the implementation and management of the Social 


Sixth, the Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) is started. 

Below each of the six phases are presented in detail. 

7.9.9 Phases for the development and implementation of the Social Environmental Participatory 

Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) 

In order to implement the Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) as an orderly 

participatory process with solid foundations, in the following a sequence of steps or phases that must be 

followed are presented. 

7.9.9.1 Phase I: Process of communication and explanation of the Social Environmental Participatory 

Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) to the community and local authorities 

Through a meeting announced and organized by the company, the population and other stakeholders in 

the area will be informed of the importance and necessity of carrying out a series of actions and activities 



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that lead to the achievement of the goals set for the Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan 

(SEPMP) 

The referred meeting consists of a presentation regarding the process of the Social Environmental 

Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) and must finish with an agreement to form the Participatory 

Monitoring Committee (PMC). 

7.9.9.2 Phase II: Establishment of the Participatory Monitoring Committee 

The Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC) is the body that leads the process of the Social 

Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan, in which 11 Participatory Monitoring Committees (PMCs) will 

be formed related to each of the hamlets of the ADI and a central Participatory Monitoring Committee 

(PMC) in charge of collecting and systemizing the information collected in the field by the Participatory 

Monitoring Committees (PMC) of the hamlets. 

The Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC) is a technical and social group made up of the Community 

Monitor, the company representative and a representative of the local government who belongs to the 

village, and, when required, one or more representatives of the communities, who should identify with the 

project’s mitigation and impact process. 

Since the Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMP) is a collective entity, the possibility that the 

monitoring process is linked to some type of bias is reduced. This would be more likely to occur if we 

worked only with the Community Monitor. 

To date, the Conga Project has progressed in the process and in the 11 hamlets of the ADI of the project 

the Community Monitors have already been elected and validated in their community assembly. On the 

side of the project, a first process of training and internships for monitors has been begun to lay the basis 

for the start of the Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP). 

The representatives are elected by their own institutions and for a period of six months (they may 

continue only for about six additional months, if necessary). 

In its first phase, the technical and logistical support of the Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC) is of 

the responsibility of the company; however, it is possible that the process will be outsourced to a 

specialized entity in the future. 

7.9.9.3 Phase III: Strategic Planning Workshop 

Based on the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP), the Community Relations Plan (CRP), the Citizen 

Participation Plan (CPP) and the Social Communication Plan (SCP) established in the EIA, the Planning 

Matrix for the Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) Conga Project (Table 7.10.1). 

will be prepared This matrix will contain the objectives, indicators, means of verification, assumptions, 

timing of information gathering and for the people in charge of the development of the social and 

environmental monitoring and will be validated in a workshop with each of the 11 Participatory Monitoring 

Committees (PMCs). 

7.9.9.4 Phase IV: Design of information gathering tools and periodic reports 

Each of the pieces of data collected on a regular basis will require a specific type of recording instrument. 

Tools to facilitate this process will be developed, such as monitoring chips, so that the required 

information is registered easily. Also, the preparation of reports, which consist of a description of the 

variations of each of the indicators and of an explanation of the reason for these variations will be in 

charge of the Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC), advised by the consultancy firm of the process 

of the Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP). 



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7.9.9.5 Phase V: Training in the implementation and management of the Social Environmental 

Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) 

In general, people who serve in the Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC), have no specialized 

training on the subjects of monitoring. What they do have is experience, roles and interests in relation to 

the issues to monitor from a technical, environmental, and social point of view. 

In this regard, the building of capacities related to the Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan 

(SEPMP) seeks to promote informed participation based on the creation of a base knowledge in the 

population of the ADI. This knowledge includes issues related to the operational aspects in the social and 

technical field of the project. This is done to ensure the quality and transparency of the process and to 

improve the response actions that will be taken with regard to its results. 

Additionally, the informed participation generates a feedback process based on the systematic recording 

of information to be generated as part of the monitoring. Such feedback is characterized by continued 

discussion and implementation of response actions according to what has been learned. This feature 

capitalizes the popular knowledge of the people obtained through the co-existence and their interest in 

the items to be monitored, for example, water sources (intakes and discharges), social investment plans, 

the situation in their area (relating to roads, education, health, economic activity, among other aspects) 

and themselves as final receptors of social investment to be performed. 

In this regard, the Participatory Monitoring Committees (PMCs) will also have the support of computer 

systems (software and hardware) to make it possible to carry out this work in a simpler and less errorprone 

way, since the committees will manage the information gathered periodically, and they will process 

it and prepare a report. The data collected will be entered periodically into a database, a copy of which 

will be delivered monthly to the company. 

7.9.9.6 Phase VI: Implementation of the Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan 

(SEPMP) 

Since this a continuous adjustment process, there will be a pilot test in order to make the respective 

adjustments to the information collecting sheets, computer systems, or the use of both possible. The 

same is true for reports that are largely mechanized (graphics, tables, and others). 

The implementation of the Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) implies the 

following: 

1. Monitoring: This ends its first part with the development of a periodic report. 

2. Publication and dissemination of the Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan 

(SEPMP): The results of the information collected in the participatory monitoring process will be 

presented and publicly upheld in the areas evaluated. These results must be presented in a 

concise and understandable language so as to guarantee the understanding, discussion, opinion 

and suggestions from the public and other sectors. 

3. Incorporation of comments from stakeholders: With the views of section 2, the report of the 

Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC) in enriched. 

4. Delivery of the recommendations and suggestions of the Social Environment Participatory 

Monitoring Report to the company for discussion and agreement with the Participatory Monitoring 

Committee (PMC): The final report of the Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring is 

provided by the Central Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC) to the mining company, which 

must coordinate and agree on the report points that need to be implemented, if appropriate. In 

addition, the Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC) will have to report to the population the 

final arrangements for their knowledge. 

7.9.10 Organization of the main stakeholders for the participatory monitoring 

There are three main actors involved in the Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP): 

the Community Monitor, the local government representative and the representative of the company. 



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7.9.10.1 Participatory Monitoring Committees 

The Participatory Monitoring Committees (PMCs) are coordinating bodies that promote civil society 

participation, particularly of communities, mining companies, and governments at all levels, to generate 

verification mechanisms that contribute to the assessment of environmental and social impacts that 

certain mining activities cause. These do not replace but complement the functions of assessment, 

monitoring and surveillance performed by the State (GDMDS, 2007). What is most important is that they 

translate the product of these functions into a language that is more accessible to the residents of the 

communities living in the area of influence of the mining projects and that they serve as a canal of 

communication between the various actors involved in the mining activity. 

The functions of the Participatory Monitoring Committees (PMC) are: 

To check that the commitments made by the company in the EIA are fulfilled effectively and within the 

agreed deadlines. 

To communicate the results of the monitoring process to the entire population and involved institutions, 

and to collect their opinions and suggestions, since it is extremely important to make all the monitoring 

process known in a transparent way. 

Monitoring non-scientific environmental indicators defined in a participatory manner by the people, and 

supporting the environmental monitoring process that the company performs. Non-scientific indicators 

are those related to measuring changes in the environment that can be established through direct 

observation, without requiring scientific or laboratory tests. These indicators (and the variables to be 

monitored) are previously identified by the Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC). 

With regard to the Participatory Monitoring Committees (PMCs), we have the following experiences 

validated for Peru: 

Experience of the Committee on Monitoring the Water Quality and the Quantity of South and East 

Irrigation Canals (COMOCA). 

Experience of the Environmental Committees of the La Granja Rio Tinto Project. 

Experience of the Participatory Environmental Monitoring Committee of the Roundtable "Working Group 

for the Aruntani Case.” 

Experience of the Environmental Monitoring, Surveillance and Control Committee of Huarmey. 

Experience of the Environmental Surveillance Committee of the Tintaya Roundtable - Communities. 

Experience of the Regional Environmental Committees Network of Ancash (RRCA). 

Experience of the Community Environmental Monitoring Program (CEMP) of the Lower Urubamba, 

Camisea Project. 

Experience of the Environmental Monitoring of Huarmey - Ancash, Antamina project. 

These experiences indicate that the Participatory Monitoring Committees (CMP) have emerged in Peru as 

a result of the following factors: i) the result of a process of conflict and negotiation; ii) agreement 

between the company and communities without a context of conflict; iii) the initiative of the community, 

the State or the company (GDMDS, 2007). All of these starting points are related to environmental 

issues; however, this plan suggests that this experience be transferred also to the social affairs 

management. With this, as in the case of the Environmental Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC), 

a real social impact could be achieved in the area of influence of the Conga Project. 

7.9.10.2 Roles of the members of the Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC) 

Below are the roles to be fulfilled by the members of the Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC). 

Role of the Community Monitor (community representative) 

To be the link between the company and the respective hamlet. 

To actively participate in training and community consultations to be made in his/her hamlet. 



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To participate in the design and validation of the Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan 

(SEPMP). 

To organize the dissemination of results and relevant information emanating from the Participatory 

Monitoring Committee (PMC) in his/her area. 

To canal expectations and concerns of members in his/her area. 

To detect incidents or accidents during operations (construction and operation stages). 

Role of the local authorities (State representative) 

To participate in the design, validation and implementation of the Social Environmental Participatory 


To provide legal and jurisdictional support to the activities carried out by the Participatory Monitoring 

Committee (PMC). 

To receive training on the objectives of the actions of the Social Environmental Participatory Monitoring 

Plan (SEPMP). 

To validate the information obtained from the different scenarios where the monitoring process is 

implemented. 

To convey their expectations and concerns to the Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC). 

Role of the company representative 

To participate in the design, validation and implementation of the Social Environmental Participatory 


To be the link between the company and the Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC), by transmitting 

the expectations, concerns and needs of the Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC) to the 

company. 

Receive training during all the stages of the project regarding the social development activities that the 

project performs. 

7.9.11 Organization for participatory monitoring and community surveillance 

Participatory monitoring and community or civic surveillance are key elements to guarantee that the 

relationship between the company and the community be sustainable over time and mutually beneficial, 

since it is through these actions that the transparency is increased. Both elements must be coordinated 

with those responsible for the communication tasks in order to guarantee access to all the stakeholders. 

The community surveillance must be linked to the activities to be carried out and that have been 

coordinated by the Participatory Monitoring Committee (MPC). In this regard, it should involve the 

population in the detection of incidents or accidents in the course of the works of the construction and 

operation stages and also in the verification of compliance with the commitments made by the company 

in the EIA. 

The community surveillance can be conceived as a way to involve the population in the detection of 

incidents or accidents occurred in the course of the works of the construction and operation stages. It 

would be jointly led by the community and the Participatory Monitoring Committees (PMC) in close 

coordination with the project through the Department of Loss Prevention. In this regard, the key is to 

make the operation a transparent process so that the people can trust and feel safe and calm regarding 

the actions executed by the Conga Project. 

Also, in the general timetable for the monitoring process, the strategic spaces for performing the 

community surveillance will be established. 

During the process of information transmission, attention to the population will be a necessary scenario 

that may apply when: 



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The involved population needs to either be enlightened or to deepen a subject, despite the basic 

training regarding the social and environmental aspects of the monitoring process. 

It is necessary to announce a new topic that requires the agreement of both parties as starting element 

for it to begin. 

The implementation of a system for receiving complaints, claims and information about disputes is the 

first element to obtain information about possible disagreements or areas for improvement in the 

participatory monitoring process. Complementary to this system, the following steps would be 

established to start the process of consultation and dispute settlement: 

1. Identification of the scenario of concerns and expectations. 

2. Implementation of a workshop with the participation of the stakeholders in the ADI and of the district, 

provincial and departmental authorities. 

3. Implementation of one or more workshops, depending on the complexity of the topic. 

4. Participation of observers. 

5. Closing process: agreements are reached and the subject matter of concern or expectation is solved. 

Taking into consideration the agreements with the population, this process could have to be applied in the 

following situations: 

Environmental Aspects 

Environmental Management Plan of the EIA 

Water monitoring (quality, quantity, discharges) 

Air monitoring 

Noise monitoring 

Flora monitoring 

Fauna monitoring 

Social Aspects 

Social Management Plan (legal and conceptual aspects) 

Social sustainability plan for former landowners 

Plan for the relocation of rural roads 

Community Relations Plan 

Training and Local Employment Plan 

7.9.12 Components to be monitored in the Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan 

(SEPMP) 

The Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) will be the central instrument to 

follow up the application of the Social Management Plans: the Community Relationships Plan (CRP), the 

Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP), the Citizen Participation Plan (CPP), the Social Communication 

Plan (SCP), and the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Each plan consists of specific projects and 

interventions aimed at dealing with certain problems. 

In this regard, the design of a monitoring plan is a complex task, where appropriateness, synergy, 

efficiency and effectiveness of actions to be carried out should be prioritized; in addition to establishing 

internal canals that allow an adequate and efficient use of the information generated. This involves a joint 

and uniform analysis of the actions to be monitored and evaluated. Hence, each project and intervention 

comprising each component of the Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) 

should comply with the following guidelines in order to manage the participatory monitoring process as 

effectively as possible: 



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The people responsible for this project should closely coordinate with the people in charge of the 

involved entities: the Community Relationships Area, the entity or executing unit, the beneficiaries, and 

other interest groups, actor by actor. 

The necessary modifications to indicators or other aspects of project design should be allowed in order 

to facilitate and improve the monitoring, follow-up and evaluation processes. For this purpose, it is 

necessary to include medium-term tools that guide the course of the progress of the proposed 

objectives. The internal and process evaluation report, which is managed at a national level, makes it 

possible to readjust certain lines of action. On the other hand, the follow-up of indicators, at an 

international level, makes it possible to predict the effects that are being generated by the policy in 

force; this determines the final impact, which is why it is a key diagnosis for the executor in terms of both 

the viability of the implemented project and the type of risk management to be applied in advance. 

Both the primary information collected by those in charge of the monitoring, follow-up and evaluation 

activities, and the secondary information produced by the executors, beneficiaries or persons 

responsible for the Conga Project will be used. The main objective is to manage strategic information 

that facilitates the monitoring process and speeds up any process, and whose positive effect has been 

shown based on the supervised activities and the reached achievements. The focus must be of 

research and action. 

The monitoring and evaluation information must be organized in such a way that plans, projects, and 

activities can be readjusted. 

In each project or intervention, these guidelines will make it possible: (i) to establish a greater coherence 

and synergy between activities; (ii) to guarantee that these actions respond to priority needs; and (iii) to 

facilitate the monitoring, follow-up and evaluation of their previous actions. Furthermore, monitoring plans 

based on the project type will be prepared. They will respond within different time horizons to the 

strategic vision of the problems to be addressed, thus establishing synergies between those actions 

and/or projects with related actions and those that have a high potential of a combined effect. 

Thus, a baseline or starting point report will first be performed, where contents and basic benchmarks 

(activities, indicators, sources, etc.) are confirmed, adjusted and/or established together with the 

executing entities. During the project’s execution, the monitoring actions will be carried out based on 

those contents and benchmarks. 

Secondly, a project and general recommendation manual of follow-up actions to be implemented by the 

executor will be prepared. This is a practical guide to formulate projects that facilitates their monitoring, 

follow-up and evaluation. This product will simultaneously work with a progress matrix that will be used 

as a checklist to be followed by the executor, in order to complete the project if what was done is directly 

related to the final objective of the project and program. 

At the same time, a written and illustrative record of every implemented activity will be suggested. It will 

be complemented with audiovisual resources that make it possible to follow up the process of certain 

beneficiaries (chosen through random sampling) on which the impact should be evidenced at the end of 

the project. 

Thirdly, the responsibilities at the monitoring level will be delimited, where periodical monitoring reports 

will be detailed. In these reports the progress status of the execution of the projects as a whole, as well 

as the main conclusions and recommendations to keep in mind, will be publicized. The number of 

monitoring visits and reports will be established in every case in accordance with the execution time of 

each project. 

Fourthly, a final balance report of the monitoring process will be made for each project, at the end of its 

execution, but prior to its evaluation. 

Finally, a users’ satisfaction and opinion system will be designed. For this purpose, a system that collects 

and quantifies the level of satisfaction and the opinions of the beneficiaries and other people involved in 



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the design, execution and monitoring processes of the projects and programs, with regard to quality, 

understanding and adoption of different tasks that are being carried out, will be developed. 

Each component of the Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) is described 

below. 

7.9.12.1 Social Investment Component 

This component comes from the Community Relationships Plan (CRP) of the EIA, which is why it is 

focused on the interventions that the Conga Project will develop within the framework of the Corporate 

Social Responsibility (RSE) in order to promote sustainable development processes in the area of 

influence of this project. 

These interventions come from an analysis of the problems of the rural area of influence, where problems 

in education, health and employment, as well as income areas are analyzed based on a problem tree. 

Based on this diagnosis, lines and sub-lines of actions were identified regarding where an intervention 

should be made in order to efficiently contribute to the solution of problems faced by the population in 

such areas. These lines are: infrastructure and basic services for the economic development, the 

education, institutional strengthening, health, and nutrition. 

Due to the participatory nature of every social intervention, the projects to be implemented will depend on 

the content of the Concerted Development Plans and the agreements made with each hamlet; thus, the 

social intervention decisions will be in line with the local governments and the population objectives. 

Thus, the participatory monitoring will have two stages in this component. In the first stage, the projects 

to be focused on will be defined by mutual agreement; and in the second stage a specific monitoring plan 

will be prepared for the selected projects according to the previously presented guidelines. 

7.9.12.2 Socio-economic Impact Management Component 

This component derives from the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) of the EIA, whose purpose is to 

manage foreseeable social impacts identified for the Conga Project in its area of influence, through a set 

of previously evaluated measures that may manage to reduce the negative effects that could reduce the 

life quality of the population, and enhance those positive impacts that might arise as a consequence of 

the project implementation. 

It is known that the population’s main concerns are related to environmental issues. Although the 

monitoring process provides the actors involved with information and training regarding the mining 

operation process, it is also necessary to make reference to the impacts that will arise and how their 

mitigation has been planned. In this regard, it is necessary to generate a strategy that makes it possible 

to monitor the process and result of these measures; which is why a monitoring plan will be developed for 

each impact management measure pursuant to the previously presented guidelines, as the case of the 

social investment component. This area includes those environmental impacts arising from social 

impacts, whose variables and indicators are defined by the same actors involved in the workshops on 

planning and validation of the Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP). 

7.9.12.3 Citizen Participation Component 

This component derives from the Citizen Participation Plan (CPP). Its purpose is to generate enough and 

adequate communication canals for all the agents involved in the Conga Project activities. 

Each town located within the area of influence of the project is a unit of the citizen participation 

component. These towns canal their concerns through the Community Monitor who in turn presents them 

to the Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC). The objective of this structure is that the citizen 

participation be organized (in coordination with the corresponding activities of the communication 

component) and correctly informed depending on the level of influence that the project has on the 

respective town. For this reason, specific strategies for each level of participation will be developed. 



7-57

In this regard and in order to improve the level of participation, the information (summarized in indicators) 

that will allow citizens and their representatives to express themselves and present their concerns will be 

prepared. These ideas and concerns will be taken into consideration before making any decision. In this 

component, the participation of the Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC) as an agent that canals the 

citizen participation is of great importance. 

7.9.12.4 Communication Component 

This component derives from the Social Communication Plan (SCP) of the EIA. The purpose of this plan 

is to collect the information produced during the application of the Social Impact Management Plan SIMP) 

in an orderly way in order to facilitate the process of information transmission, clarify and deepen subjects 

related to the operating, social and, possibly, environmental practices in all the stages of the project. 

Thus, this component will include procedures that will make it possible to generate information that is 

appropriate for the involved actors. Within this context, “appropriate” means messages that can be 

readily understood by every involved actor. 

7.9.12.5 Environmental Component 

Non-scientific environmental indicators previously defined by the population in the workshops on planning 

and validation will be followed. In addition to it, the Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC) of each 

town will follow the development and oversee the fulfillment of protocols of the Environmental Monitoring 

Plan (scientific), whose main actions are aimed at: 

Monitoring of surface water and groundwater that will be possible thanks to the installation of sampling 

stations, in accordance with the monitoring manual of water quality of MYSRL (MA-M-003) and the 

monitoring procedure of water quality, water and soil monitoring (MA-P-018). 

Monitoring of discharge control points (DCP). 

Monitoring of air quality parameters (MA-P-002), monitoring of aquatic life in rivers and streams, lake 

monitoring, and flora and fauna monitoring. 

7.9.13 Expected Results and Measurement Indicators of the Social and Environmental Participatory 

Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) 

Below are the expected results of the Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP). 

The application of the Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) is expected to 

contribute to building trust and credibility towards the project in the population, based on the 

transparency of the monitoring process of the technical, environmental, and social aspects during the 

exploration and exploitation stages. 

The community monitors and the Participatory Monitoring Committee in general are expected to be 

recognized by the authorities and social bases of their communities and hamlets, as their 

representatives regarding the application of the Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan 

(SEPMP), which doesn’t mean that the validation of the plan doesn’t require an approval by the 

assembly. 

The Participatory Monitoring Committee (PMC) is expected to consist of the Community Monitors, the 

representatives of the local governments and the representative of the Conga Project. It is conceivable 

that other representatives of the involved government entities or representatives of the civil society 

could be included in it. With this, coordinated actions for the monitoring will begin. 

The Participatory Monitoring Committees (PMC) are expected to be committed, as a team, with the 

monitoring works. They will also be informed of the company operations as well as of different subjects, 

such as the Social Management Plan (SMP) and the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). 

The Community Monitors are expected to start playing a role of social promoters in their communities. 

The local inhabitants are expected to adapt the participation process as their own, to see their doubts 

clarified, and to satisfy their expectations. 



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For the measurement of the Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP), fulfillment, 

evaluation, efficiency, efficacy and management indicators will be established. These indicators are 

described in Table 7.10.1. 

7.9.14 Schedule 

The schedule of the Social and Environmental Participatory Monitoring Plan (SEPMP) application should 

be coordinated and concerted with the environmental monitoring schedule and with the implementation of 

the identified social activities. 



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Section 8.0 - Analysis of Alternatives 


The analysis of alternatives is one of the most important steps to determine the relevant characteristics of 

the components of a project. This makes it possible to compare those options that might be feasible, 

based on a set of predetermined criteria, in order to identify the best options for the project in terms of 

certain characteristics such as location, technology or a general scheme. 

Typically, this analysis is completed during the early stages of project conceptualization and continues 

throughout the design process; however, fundamental changes to the concept are less likely the more 

advanced the project is. It is for this reason that decisions taken in the early stages of planning have a 

greater repercussion on the project and, therefore, also on the impact that the project in turn has on the 

environment. 

Considering this, the submission of the alternative analysis focuses on the choices that have influenced 

the most important features of the project and therefore require adequate justification or support from the 

associated decision-making process. 

8.2 Background 

For all intents and purposes, the Conga Project starts with the discovery of the Chailhuagón and Perol 

deposits, so two of the main elements of the project were defined at this early stage. For this reason, 

subsequent decisions on the project were associated with this starting point configuration. 

Since then, numerous studies have been completed in the area for the purpose of analyzing the feasibility 

of the project from multiple perspectives and also to define with precise detail the characteristics of the 

elements of the project. 

In this sense, considering the initial extent of the area covered by the deposits to be mined and their 

mineralogical characteristics, the need to include facilities that allow for the clearing of material, 

processing and disposing of the waste rock material was identified. The water management scheme was 

also considered almost in parallel, also considering the supply of the resource, taking into account the 

requirements and implications of the options discussed. 

Furthermore, considering that the Perol deposit is located in areas occupied by the Perol lake and the 

Perol Bog, and that thus the feasibility of the project requires the removal of both elements, we analyzed 

several options to address the impacts and risks associated with managing the volumes to be removed 

from the area. 

Other elements of the project, such as topsoil stockpiles, quarries, sediment ponds, among others, were 

defined based on the characteristics of the facilities mentioned above, so the analysis presented in this 

chapter does not include a justification regarding the decisions taken on these elements. 

Finally, since the project will involve the occupation of areas currently used as part of the roads that 

ensure a North-South and East-West connectivity of the adjacent populated areas, a transportation 

corridor plan was defined in order to be implemented through a process of analysis of alternatives, which 

is also included in this chapter. 

8.3 Methodology 

The selection of the criteria is important and case-specific; i.e., one cannot generate a list of criteria for a 

project and apply it to a different project without properly adapting it to the peculiarities of each case. 

Thus, the criteria to be established will depend on the characteristics of the project, as well as on the 

environmental, socio-economic, and cultural conditions of the area where the project will be developed. 



8-1

There are two ways to complete the analysis of alternatives after having established the criteria and 

depending on the logic in the decision making process. One is through a semi-quantitative process in 

which the best option is selected by a weighting of criteria, and the other is through a gradual process of 

elimination, based on the existence of characteristics or limiting factors. 

In the first case, the initial stage usually involves the selection of preliminary alternatives, and the 

application of criteria to reduce the number of these alternatives. The final stages involve the comparison 

of alternatives, from which the best alternative will be chosen from a technical-economic, environmental, 

and social point of view. 

Once the list of criteria to be used in the process of analyzing alternatives has been determined, it is 

necessary to establish which method of analysis will be applied. A modified version of the process called 

Multiple Accounts Matrix (Kerr et. al, 2003) was used in this study. The methodology considers a number 

of key criteria (counts), each of which has an assigned weight value. Because each count can have 

factors that have an influence on it, they are in turn divided into sub-criteria (sub-counts). Each sub-count 

also has a weight value and within each sub-count there are indicators of the determinants; each of which 

has in turn a weight value. The reason for dividing and subdividing each count is to define a basis for the 

analysis of alternatives that allows following the author’s logic during his analysis. 

The reason for the weighting of each count, sub-count and indicator in the analysis of alternatives is to 

take into account that some factors become more important than others. It is necessary to make clear 

that the process, even with the addition of quantitative values, is subjective, since the weights and counts, 

are determined based on the experience and professional approach of the evaluator. The weight scale 

must be defined by the evaluator, considering the possible values assigned to each indicator. The scales 

used in this Multiple Accounts Matrix are: 

For the count and sub-count level: 

0.2 = low value 

0.4 = moderately low value 

0.6 = moderate value 

0.8 = moderately high value 

1.0 = high value 

For the indicator level: 

1 = low value 

2 = medium-low value 

3 = average 

4 = medium-high value 

5 = high value 

A value is assigned to each option once the indicators have been established and their specific weight 

values determined. A value scale that weighs the positive and negative effects for the different 

alternatives is considered in this Multiple Accounts Matrix. 

The scale is as follows: 

3 = positive option 

2 = moderately positive option 

1 = slightly positive option 

0 = neutral option 

-1 = slightly negative option 



8-2

-2 = moderately negative option 

-3 = negative option 

After setting the values for the counts, sub-counts and indicators, multiply the count values by the 

weights, in order to obtain a total. 

Next, add the weighted values for each indicator. The greatest value is considered the best alternative. 

Also, a textual description is included for each indicator and its corresponding value, to provide a basis for 

valuation. 

In the second case, the feasible options are presented, and then the characteristics that favor or at least 

limit or reduce the eligibility of any of the alternatives are described. This procedure is repeated until 

finally, under a proper justification, the options are reduced to one. This case is applicable when the 

decisions respond to a more qualitative analysis, given that due to the nature of the options, the 

associated calculations can be redundant. 

Finally, in no case did the analysis include the "Alternative 0" since there is no way that the project can be 

viable without the operation of the analyzed facilities or systems. 

8.4 Study Assumptions 

In each analysis of alternatives, it is imperative to identify the initial assumptions. This allows to put into 

perspective the limitations of the analysis in terms of its relevance. The analysis cannot be considered 

valid when, after having been completed, the project's objectives change, or in cases of significant 

changes in the social environment of the project. Here are the considerations included in the analysis of 

alternatives in this study. 

The parameters considered for the selection of the project alternatives will not change in such a way 

that requires a fundamental change in the design or project requirements. 

The submitted facility design conforms to the project design to be used. If it is necessary to make any 

design change, it is anticipated that this will not significantly affect the fundamental characteristics of the 

analyzed elements. 

8.5 Characteristics of the project alternatives 

In general, the characteristics of the Conga Project, in its various stages, are described in Chapter 4 of 

this document. 

Within these features, those which are defined based on an analysis of alternatives, as presented in 

Section 8.2, and because of the feasible options available and their relative advantages and 

disadvantages were: 

The location of the tailings storage facility 

The water management system 

The location of the Perol waste rock storage facility 

The location of the concentrator plant 

Management of the Perol Bog 

The routing of the new North-South and East-West transportation corridors 

Other features of the project, such as the location of other facilities, do not require a thorough analysis of 

the alternatives because their definition depended primarily, and in some cases solely, on the location of 

other elements or on the characteristics of the project (e.g., the mineral exploitation system). 

In keeping with the above paragraph, following are the elements to be analyzed through a selection of 

alternatives. 



8-3

8.5.1 Location of the tailings storage facility 

As noted above, once the deposits and their characteristics and, consequently, an adequate ore 

reduction process had been defined, the decisions to be taken on the handling of processing waste were 

mainly related to the disposal location and its treatment before disposal. 

As for the treatment before disposal, priority was placed on the thickening of the tailings, considering the 

environmental advantages that this procedure involves, including a smaller footprint for the same storage 

capacity, a smaller fraction of water finally used as part of the tailings and a lower permeability, among 

others. Therefore, the disposal of tailings by conventional methods was discarded, even though this 

practice is, in many respects, a less expensive option compared to the thickening of the tailings. 

Thus, the analysis on the tailings storage facility was related to the location of a facility capable of 

receiving the thickened tailings generated in the process. 

To define the location of the tailings storage facility, the study by Golder (Golder, 2000) initially presented 

ten potential sites within a radius of 12 km of the main area of the project, out of which three had two 

options associated with expansions (Alternatives 1, 3 and 8). This first analysis considered that the 

volume was of 392,000,000 m 3 with a dry density of 1.34 t/m 3 , while the volume design for a contingency 

of 50 percent was of 587,000,000 m 3 . 

In a subsequent study by Golder in October 2008 (Golder, 2008) it was estimated that the volume to be 

occupied in the deposit by the thickened tailings would be 467,000,000 t, a figure that is consistent with 

this analysis. In July 2009, with more information available, it was determined that the capacity need of 

the tailings storage facility would be of 504,000,000 t. 

For example, during the first stage, and considering the technical and economic criteria related to the 

feasibility of the project, some alternatives were rejected on the basis of two indicators: the storage 

capacity to dam volume ratio and the cost per ton of tailings disposed. 

Finally, the feasible options from a technical perspective were analyzed considering the relative weighting 

of criteria including environmental and social variables. 

8.5.2 Water Management System 

In the case of the water management system, the first decision-making stage focused on the analysis of 

alternatives regarding the supply of this resource. This analysis was developed by the company Water 

Management Consultants (WMC, 1997), which assessed the feasibility of guaranteeing the water supply 

using surface water, groundwater or a mixed system considering an estimated project demand. 

Next, once the water supply source for the project requirements was defined, the focus changed to the 

work of setting up the internal management scheme for this resource, its distribution, and impact 

mitigation in the different surrounding basins. 

This way, in light of the estimated water requirement for the project, as well as of the levels of rainfall, 

evapotranspiration and seepage in the area, we decided that it was necessary to build elements for the 

proper management of the resource, such as treatment, diversion and storage systems. The necessity to 

mitigate impacts, both in terms of natural storage of water (i.e. lakes) and impacts on the availability in 

different streams was considered as part of the water requirements of the project. 

8.5.3 Perol waste rock storage facility 

As mentioned above, given the configuration of the deposit, the Conga Project included - from the earliest 

stages - the development of two pits, which had different geochemical characteristics. The Perol deposit 

being a site mostly made up of PAG material and the Chailhuagón deposit mainly made up of non-PAG 

material. 



8-4

Given these characteristics of the pits, the waste rock obtained from them had to be handled differently. 

This had to be done mainly because the flows from the deposit associated with Perol material due to 

runoff or seepage had the potential to impact the environment if appropriate measures were not taken. 

In the case of the waste rock storage facility associated with the Chailhuagón deposit, a condition was 

considered during the decision making process regarding where to place it, which was subsequently 

corroborated and that consisted of the limited likelihood of affecting the flows that had contact with the 

deposit. Thus, the Chailhuagón waste rock storage facility was designed considering the occupation of 

the area north of the pit of the same name as the only option, making it possible, among other things, to 

reduce the occupation of areas downstream of the existing elements in the watershed of the Chirimayo 

Stream and the Chailhuagón River. 

Additionally, among the technical and economic criteria that limited the space and location for the 

disposal of the waste rock, we considered the distance from the pits and their location in basins that 

would make it possible to take advantage of projected conditions such as water management systems, 

based on the treatment needs (i.e. combined management of runoff and seepage from the Perol tailings 

storage facility and waste rock storage facility in a high-containment system). 

Once the specific locations were decided on, the final characteristics were defined based on local 

conditions in terms of relief, foundations, and capacity. 

8.5.4 Location of the concentrator plant 

The choice of the location of the concentrator plant mainly involved the variables related to the position of 

this installation in relation to other elements of the project with which it is expected to have an ongoing 

interaction, such as the crushing circuit, the water source, and the tailings storage facility. Topography 

and other considerations were also taken into account regarding the ability of the space chosen to 

properly house the components of the plant, both in terms of space, connectivity, and stability of the 

foundations. 

Thus, in the document entitled “Update Study of the Conga Project," prepared by MYSRL in 2006, a 

location was proposed for the processing plant facilities. This location was selected in response to the 

alternative that was described in a previous feasibility study, but was later discarded because a larger 

area was required for the storage of tailings based on the 2006 production plan. 

Then, once a new location was selected, the results of geotechnical drilling from 2006 revealed that the 

ground conditions were unsuitable for a concentrator plant. The geotechnical study showed a mass of 

ground limestone, which made it unstable and inadequate for any such construction on that land. 

As a result, this location was discarded and new efforts were put into action to carry out a new study to 

identify and evaluate alternatives and choose the most appropriate location. Eight locations were initially 

analyzed in this new study, which eventually were reduced to four, before choosing the final option. 

8.5.5 Management of the Perol Bog 

As mentioned above, the removal of the Perol Bog and Lake is inevitable in order to have a feasible 

project 

In the case of the lake, the specific management decisions are included in Chapter 6. In the case of the 

Perol Bog, the most important decisions regarding its management referred to their removal, 

transportation, and disposal, giving priority to occupational safety issues for workers and to environmental 

protection. 

In regard to the extraction of the bog, the area and depth of the bog were estimated first. Several studies 

have been conducted by different consultants since 2000 to obtain appropriate values for these 



8-5

unknowns; reports were prepared on the subject (Vector [2000]), Golder [2004], AMEC [2006] and Knight 

Piésold [2007]). The most appropriate alternatives for the extraction of the bog in the area were proposed 

once certain values were determined. 

For the transfer of the bog, the only feasible alternative identified was to use trucks, similar to those used 

in the transfer of the mined material. 

The last part in the management of the bog, which refers to its disposal, was calculated according to 

studies conducted by Vector (2000), Golder (2004), AMEC (2006) and KP (2007), where the number of 

choices was quite limited, as was the number of transportation options. 

8.5.6 New north-south and east-west transportation corridors 

The area of the location of the project elements is crossed by two transportation corridors used by the 

surrounding villages, connecting the north-south and east-west areas of the project. Considering that the 

project will locate elements in places that will preclude the use of sections of these corridors, and in order 

to mitigate the associated socio-economic impacts, three alternative transportation corridor plans were 

presented as part of the development of the mining complex. These corridors could be used by the 

communities in the area, similar to the baseline situation, meaning that they will connect the North with 

the South and the East with the West of the mentioned area. 

Security, effective mitigation of impacts and technical and economic feasibility considerations were all 

taken into account to choose the final layout of the transportation corridors. 

8.6 Analysis Considerations 

Here are the main criteria used for choosing the options which were finally considered based on the 

analysis of alternatives. Also, the rationale behind choosing the final option is presented in the case of 

decisions taken in a qualitative process and discard process. 

8.6.1 Location of the tailings storage facility 

The location of the tailings storage facility took into account the following aspects for the analysis of 

alternatives. 

8.6.1.1 Technical – economic aspects 

The technical aspects that were considered in the analysis were: 

Considerations taken into account for the construction stage: mainly related to how relatively easy it 

would be to prepare the area; how much the unit and total costs would be; and the ownership of 

concessions and of surface lands. 

Considerations taken into account for the operation stage: concerning the technical requirements for the 

proper functioning of the tailings storage facility, such as total capacity, the total storage capacity to dam 

volume ratio, ease of water management, the placement in relation to the concentrator plant, and the 

operating costs (e.g. costs of the pumping tasks). Regarding the last couple of items, we took into 

account such characteristics as the distance and height difference between the different elements 

involved. 

Considerations taken into account for the closing stage: The choice of location also used criteria relating 

to the facilities offered by the alternatives to meet the objectives of the closure plan. 

8.6.1.2 Environmental aspects 

The environmental aspects considered in the analysis were: 

The ecological importance of the site: concerning the relative valuation of the alternatives based on the 

baseline environmental conditions (suitability of the soil, presence of flora and fauna on conservation 

status, etc.). 



8-6

Associated potential environmental impacts: concerning the possibility of generating differentiated 

significant environmental impacts. In the specific case of the tailings storage facility, a key consideration 

was the geological aspect in terms of containment and its effect on seepage control. 

8.6.1.3 Socio-economic and cultural aspects 

The socio-economic and cultural aspects considered in the analysis were: 

Socio-environment conditions: concerning the social characteristics of the surrounding environments 

relevant to the alternatives, such as the number of houses, areas of work or the positions and 

perceptions in this regard. 

The associated potential socioeconomic impacts: concerning the possibility of generating significant 

social impacts such as changes in the characteristics of the existing infrastructure or impacts on 

elements that would have an effect on the productive dynamics of the area. 

The presence of cultural elements within the areas studied. 

8.6.2 Water Management System 

As presented above, options were analyzed in two stages as far as the water management system is 

concerned; the first focused on defining the origin of the water resource required for the project and the 

second phase focused on the definition of a scheme that would allow an adequate mitigation of those 

impacts caused by the use of the resource. 

Different aspects were analyzed during the first stage to choose the delivery option, which could include 

the use of surface water, groundwater or of mixed origin. Thus, the aspects considered were: 

The water supply capacity to meet the demands of the project in a sustainable manner. 

The potential environmental and socio-economic impacts. 

Also, once the supply source was defined, the distribution of the water management system elements we 

analyzed, considering the technical, economic, environmental, and social aspects, as is generally 

described below. 

8.6.2.1 Technical–economic aspects 

The technical-economic aspects taken into consideration in the analysis were: 

Considerations concerning the capacity of the source to ensure water supply. 

Considerations concerning the construction, operation and closure phase, referring mainly to the needs 

for the placing of the relevant infrastructure, the technical requirements for the proper operation of the 

proposed plan and its implications in order to meet the objectives of the closure plan and the complexity 

of the measures that were considered. 


Environmental issues considered in the analysis were: 

Associated potential environmental impacts: related to the effective and efficient mitigation of the 

significant environmental impacts. 

8.6.2.3 Socio-economic aspects 

The socio-economic issues considered in the analysis were: 

Condition of the social environment: related to the relevant social characteristics, such as prevailing 

perceptions and uses of the resource. 

Associated potential socioeconomic impacts: related to the mitigation of the significant socio-economic 

impacts given the proposed plan. 



8-7

It is necessary to clarify that this chapter does not include the evaluation of the management alternatives 

of the impact, as this evaluation is covered in Chapter 5. It is there where the time of conducting impact 

assessment, both environmental and socio-economic, the residual impacts are analyzed; in other words 

the changes generated by the project once the prevention/control/compensation measures of the impact 

are implemented. 


When defining the location of the waste rock storage facility, we took into account the following aspects 

for the analysis of alternatives. 


The technical aspects considered in the analysis were: 

Considerations for the construction, operation and closure phases: concerning characteristics such as 

the associated costs, geological and geotechnical properties of the foundation, distance away from the 

pits, geological details, ease of processing runoff and seepage, and the feasibility of compliance with 

the objectives of the closure plan. 


The environmental issues considered in the analysis were: 

Associated potential environmental impacts: concerning the possibility of generating significant 

environmental impacts, mainly related to the proper management of runoff and seepage from these 

facilities and their effect on groundwater. 


The socio-economic issues considered in the analysis were: 

The socio-economic issues considered referred mainly to the generation potential of impacts derived 

from environmental effects such as changes in water quality. 

8.6.4 Location of the concentrator plant 

The following is a list of the aspects considered in the analysis of alternative locations for the concentrator 

plant: 

8.6.4.1 Technical-economic aspects 

The technical aspects considered in the analysis were: 

Considerations for the construction stage: mainly related to the ease of the area preparation works (cut 

and fill required, geotechnical stability of the area), the total construction costs, and the potential 

interference with other structures or future developments. 

Considerations for the operation stage: concerning mainly to the technical requirements for the 

operation of the concentrator plant (such as the transport distance, height difference for the pumping 

fluids (among others) and operating costs. 


The environmental aspects considered in the analysis were related to the ecological importance of the 

area to be used and the potential of impacts associated with the alternatives. 

8.6.4.3 Socio-economic 

The socio-economic issues considered referred mainly to the generation potential of impacts derived from 

environmental effects. However, and given the nature of the expected impacts regardless of location, no 

differentials changes are estimated associated with each option. 



8-8


The following list is one of the aspects considered in the analysis of alternatives for managing the Perol 

Bog: 


The technical - economic aspects taken into consideration in the analysis were: 

Issues related to the management of material under acceptable occupational safety conditions 

Issues related to transportation requirements (distance, necessary equipment, etc.) 

Issues related to the requirements in the storage areas in terms of containment, capacity, and 

management of effluents and runoff. 


The environmental issues considered in the analysis were: 

Associated potential environmental impacts: referring to the possibility of generating significant 

environmental impacts. 


The socio-economic issues considered referred mainly to the generation potential of impacts derived from 

environmental effects, for example the variations in water quality in a receiving body of the area. 

However, and given the nature of the expected impacts regardless of location, no differentials changes 

are estimated associated with each option. 


For the new north-south and east-west transportation corridors plan, the main factor taken into account 

was how each of the alternatives would be able to mitigate the consequences caused by disabling the 

existing roads. It should be noted that because these roads provide an important means of 

communication and transportation to the hamlets of the area, the three alternatives analyzed were 

designed bearing in mind the need to allow traffic to flow from the north to the south, and from the east to 

the west of the area. 

Taking into account the impact mitigation factor, the first step in the selection of the alternatives was to 

identify them. According to the analysis, the main change is related to the variations in journey times as a 

result of the changes in the distances and conditions of the road surface. 

However, the most important factor taken into consideration throughout the analysis was the ability to 

reduce the risks associated with having mine vehicles and private transportation driving on the roads at 

the same time. With that in mind, we identified the areas with the highest levels of traffic and analyzed 

the possibility of avoiding traffic on sections which passed through those areas. 

As for the environmental criteria taken into consideration, we included the analysis related to the 

occupation of additional areas which would not be affected, with the aim of giving priority to the 

occupation of internal or previously distressed areas. 

Finally, the technical and economic feasibility factors were taken into account in order to agree on an 

alternative that would allow an appropriate use of resources; in this case, more precisely, economic 

resources. 

8.7 Result of the analysis of alternatives 

The previous sections described the methodology, the background and considerations for the proper 

analysis of alternatives as well as for the characteristics of the project which warranted this analysis within 

the context of this EIA. 



8-9

The previous sections also introduced the alternatives analyzed for the locations of the facilities such as 

the tailings storage facility, the Perol waste rock storage facility, the concentrator plant, as well as the 

characteristics of the water management system, the management of the Perol Bog and the new northsouth 

and east-west transportation corridors. They also introduced the criteria used in order to determine 

the best alternative. 

This section presents the results obtained through the analysis of alternatives for each of the elements 

and/or characteristics which were analyzed. Tables 8.7.1 and 8.7.2 present the numerical analysis of the 

results obtained in the study, for the selection of the location of both the tailings storage facility and the 

concentrator plant. 

8.7.1 Tailings storage facility 

As presented, ten alternative locations were taken into account for the tailings storage facility, details of 

which are presented in Figure 8.7.2. In order to simplify the analysis, the number of possibilities was 

reduced by making an initial assessment focused on technical feasibility. Chart 8.7.1 presents the first 

assessment of these ten alternatives. 

Options or 

Alternatives 

Chart 8.7.1 

Proposed locations for tailings storage facility 

Description 

1 Guayunguida Stream 

1A Upper part of Alternative 1 

2 Río Jadibamba Stream 

3 Lluspioc Stream and Río Grande 

3A Pencayoc Stream 

General rating in terms of technical 

feasibility 

- Acceptable storage capacity 

- Difficult water management due to the 

largeness of the basin 

- Area with potential seepage (karst 

material) 

Rating: Unfeasible 


- Acceptable distance to the processing 

zone 

- Area with uncertainty regarding 

potential seepage 

Rating: Deficient 

- Insufficient storage capacity 

- Difficult water management due to the 

largeness of the basin 


- Average storage capacity 

- Good storage capacity to dam volume 

ratio 


zone 

Rating: Moderate 

- Average storage capacity 


zone 



8-10

4 Chailhuagón Lake 

5 Rinconada Lake 

6 South Chirimayo Stream 

7 Chugurmayo Stream 

8 Mamacocha Stream 

8A Mamacocha Stream 

9 Mishacocha Chica Lake 

10 Hierba Buena Stream 











- Good storage capacity to dam volume 

ratio 

- Area with uncertainty regarding 

potential seepage 



- Only feasible as an expansion to 

alternative 8 






This analysis led to the rejection of the alternatives mentioned below, as they were deemed unfeasible: 

Storage Facility Alternatives 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10: The projected storage capacity in these areas 

was considered to be insufficient. Some of these alternatives also contemplated a low storage capacity 

to dam volume ratio. 

Finally, of the ten original options, only three were considered technically feasible and were included in 

the matrix of alternatives to be analyzed in greater detail; Alternative 1A, Alternative 3, Alternative 3A and 



8-11

Alternative 8-8A. In the latter case, the analysis was completed by taking into account a combined 

scheme of alternatives 8 and 8A, as alternative 8A was only feasible as an expansion. 

The analysis of alternatives matrix was based on these three alternatives. Table 8.7.1 presents the 

matrix for the three options considered. Below is a detailed description of the results. 

8.7.1.1 Development of the analysis of alternatives matrix 

Weighting values were assigned to the various accounts of the evaluation matrix based on the relative 

importance of the component in the local context. As can be seen below, the socio-economic aspects 

were prioritized because of how important nearby population centers are to the project, especially in 

terms of their social characteristics and economic dynamics. 

Technical-economic aspects (0.6): Based on criteria related to waste disposal, facility design, water 

management and logistics. Included are capital, operating costs and projected closure criteria. 

Environmental aspects (0.8): Based on potential impacts on the quality and quantity of surface water 

and groundwater, on availability and on types of soil. They were also based on flora, fauna and 

terrestrial and aquatic habitats, including the potential presence of species of economic or conservation 

interest. 

Socio-economic aspects (1): Based on criteria related to the presence of populated areas and economic 

activities in or downstream of the analyzed areas. Also taken into account were cultural aspects such as 

the presence of archaeological remains in the area. 

Technical-economic aspects 

As for the technical-economic aspects, Alternative 3A was found to be the preferred option, because it 

took into account such issues as land ownership, the storage capacity to dam volume ratio, the size of the 

basin as well as the estimated costs. 

Alternative 3 stands out from the other options in terms of how much easier it would be to prepare the 

area. However, its total rating places it as the second best alternative from a technical-economic 

perspective. 

Alternatives 1A and 8+8A posed disadvantages in regard to certain characteristics such as the associated 

preparation needs, unit and total costs (per ton of material deposited), the storage capacity to dam 

volume ratio and land ownership of the required area. 

Finally, as presented above, Alternative 3A appears to be the best choice for the location of the tailings 

storage facility, according to the technical-economic criteria. 

Environmental Aspects 

From an environmental standpoint, two conditions were analyzed: the ecological importance of the areas 

taken into consideration and the potential associated impacts. 

As for the ecological importance of the area, Alternative 3 is the one that obtained the highest rating 

because, among other characteristics presented in Table 8.7.1, it is mainly grassland and there is a 

limited presence of associated fauna. The other alternatives have environmental components with higher 

relative valuation, resulting in lower scores, especially in the case of Alternative 8. 

As to the relevance of the potential impacts associated with each of the options, it was concluded that 

Alternative 3A presented the best characteristics, mainly due to three conditions: the area to be occupied 

is relatively small; it has a geology which favors the handling of seepage; and the fact that it is located in 

the same basin as the Perol waste rock storage facility would allow for a better control of the project as a 

whole. With regard to the latter condition, which is considered to be one of the most important, 

Alternative 3 also includes that same characteristic. 



8-12

The other alternatives, because they involve the occupation of new streams, obtained a relatively low 

rating regarding this condition. 

Finally, the analysis suggests that, from an environmental perspective, Alternative 3A is the best option. 

Socio-economic aspects 

Three characteristics within this aspect were taken into account during the analysis: the socioenvironmental 

conditions; the presence of archaeological remains; as well as any potential impacts on the 

archaeological remains. 

With regard to socio-economic conditions, alternatives 1A and 8+8 A have a low rating due to the 

presence of widespread agricultural activity downstream of the projected facilities, and in the same area 

which would be occupied by these alternatives, especially in the case of Alternative 1A, which also has a 

further drawback: the existence of a relatively high population density in the related area. 

Alternatives 3 and 3A are more suitable for the development of the project due to the lower population 

density and activities in the related area. 

As for the presence of archaeological remains, alternatives 3 and 3A obtained negative scores due to the 

existence of cultural elements in the associated area. The other two alternatives obtained neutral scores 

due to the lack of information on the subject. 

It was found at the time of the study that the likelihood and mitigation of potential impacts led to the 

consideration of Alternatives 3 and 3A as the most favorable options. This was done by taking into 

account baseline characteristics as well as expected social and environmental changes. 

After evaluating and analyzing the possible locations of the tailings storage facility, Alternative 3A was, 

from a socio-economic perspective, deemed to be the best option. 

To conclude, taking into account the different aspects, as can be seen in Chart 8.7.2 and in Table 8.7.1, 

Alternative 3A ranks as the preferred alternative for the construction of the tailings storage facility. 

Chart 8.7.2 

Summary of the analysis of alternatives for the location of the tailings storage facility 

Analyzed Aspects Alternative 1A Alternative 3 Alternative 3A Alternative 8 + 8A 

Technical-economic 5.2 9.1 11.9 3.6 

Environmental -5.4 1.1 9.1 -4.3 

Socio-economic -4.8 1.6 1.8 -3.2 

Total -5.1 11.8 22.8 -3.9 

8.7.2 Water management system 

As previously mentioned, in the case of the water management system, the main focus of the first 

decision-making stage was to analyze the different alternatives in terms of water sources. The second 

stage focused on setting up the internal management plan related to the sourcing and distribution of the 

water as well as the impact mitigation in the different streams involved. 

8.7.2.1 Water supply system 

In the case of the first decision-making stage, the preliminary alternatives, which were proposed by Water 

Management Consultants (WMC, 1997), were focused on determining the different water sources 



8-13

available in the Project site as well as in the surroundings, taking into consideration a requirement of 

400 l/s. In this manner, the alternatives we analyzed were the use of surface water and groundwater 

resources as well as a combination of both in a mixed scheme. 

In the case of surface resources, the revision of the information available for this study indicated that 

more than half the average annual rainfall (58%) corresponded to the five-month period between 

December and April. Considering the strong social pressure associated with water shortages during the 

dry season, it was concluded that rainfall could only be exploited for mining purposes during the wet 

season. We later made new estimates which allowed us to determine that the water available for mining 

use was greater than the requirements used in the analysis of alternatives. 

In the case of groundwater resources, through a preliminary waters assessment, we estimated that, 

under normal circumstances, the recharge of the limestone units in the area would allow for the removal 

of less than 105 l/s. As for the recharging of the system, the main findings were related to the recharging 

of the aquifer in the limestone units which, according to WMC, was generated as a result of seepage 

primarily in areas where these units were exposed and, that even when the seepage levels depended on 

the intensity of the fracture, much of this seepage drained the karst system, allowing for rapid 

downstream discharge. 

WMC also estimated that there would be a minimal recharge passing through the volcanic and intrusive 

low permeability units. 

In the case of discharge in the area, WMC assumed that this mainly occurs in the form of baseflows and 

spring discharges. It was also felt that part of the discharge was associated with the contact between 

marble units and intrusive rock. 

Preliminary surface water resources assessment 

The use of surface water was studied in terms of characteristics such as catchment areas and rainfall 

levels. Considering the local demand for water during dry season, it was determined that it would only be 

possible to consider the existence of "surplus" water during the wet season since the waterflow during 

these months is not used by the local inhabitants because of the high ground level. 

The WMC assessment characterized the catchments areas as follows: 

Chirimayo Catchment Area (Alto Chirimayo Basin Stream) 

We calculated the catchment area associated with Chirimayo to be 12,246,000 m 2 , and the bogs were 

identified as elements which help withhold, delay, or reduce runoff. The Perol Lake was also identified 

within this area. 

Rio Grande del Norte Catchment Area (Alto Jadibamba River Basin) 

Formed by the catchment areas of the Pencayoc Stream (8,574,000 m 2 ) and Cortada (7,586,000 m 2 ), this 

area has both water holding capacity zones (i.e. bogs in the higher and mid-level areas) and sectors with 

limited catchment processes (i.e. very steep areas). The Azul and Chica Lakes can be found in this area. 

Rio Grande del Sur Catchment Area (Chailhuagón River Basin) 

According to WMC, this area consists of the Chailhuagón Stream sub-catchment area (5,361,000 m 2 ), 

which includes the Chailhuagón Lake and bogs in the midlands and lowlands, and the Callejón Stream 

(9,209,000 m 2 ) which has fewer bodies of surface water. Additionally, the catchment area is composed of 

two smaller sub-catchments areas, which correspond to the Mishacocha Stream (3,346,000 m2) and the 

Mishacocha Chica Stream (7,069,000 m 2 ), where the Mishacocha and Mishacocha Chica Lakes can be 

found. 

Mamacocha Catchment Area 



8-14

Formed by the Mamacocha catchment area (10,611,000 m 2 ), where the Mamacocha Lake can be found, 

which is the surface water body with the largest catchment area; the Toromacho Stream (2,527,000 m 2 ) is 

also located there. 

Preliminary assessment of groundwater resources 

WMC had estimated that the groundwater resources in the area were limited to the limestone units, due 

to their permeability characteristics, which was why the analysis by catchment areas focused on the 

presence of this type of units within the boundaries of that area. 

The WMC assessment characterized the catchments areas, in groundwater terms, as follows: 

Chirimayo Catchment Area (Alto Chirimayo Basin Stream) 

WMC had verified the existence of relatively large areas of limestone outcrops in the central and southern 

zone. Other characteristics, such as the fracturing levels and the shapes of the units (deformed) were 

considered to have influenced the system's capacity to recharge. Based on the preliminary calculations, 

it was estimated that the available water flow was insufficient to meet the demands of the project. 

Other units, such as intrusive rocks or alluvial deposits, were identified to be of low-permeability or of 

limited size, so their capacity to hold water was considered to be lower. 

Rio Grande del Norte Catchment Area (Alto Jadibamba River Basin) 

WMC estimated that groundwater resources in this area were limited due to the extensive presence of 

intrusive and volcanic low-permeability rock units. However, due to the presence of limestone outcrops 

on the western side of the Pencayoc Stream, it was estimated that there was a recharge level of 

396,142 m 3 /a, which is considered to be insufficient to meet the demands of the project. 

Rio Grande del Sur Catchment Area (Chailhuagón River Basin) 

According to WMC, the surface of the Callejón Stream area is, in its most part, covered in limestone 

outcrops, except at the top, allowing the Stream to provide an estimated recharge of 849,299 m 3 /a, which 

is insufficient to meet the demands of the project. 

In the case of the sub-area of Chailhuagón, the presence of limestone and marble outcrops allows a 

recharge of 241,382 m 3 /a, which is insufficient to meet the demands of the project. 

On the other hand, in the sub-areas of Mishacocha and Mishacocha Chica, with limited limestone 

outcrops, it was estimated that there was a combined recharge level of 185,403 m 3 /a, which is insufficient 

to meet the demands of the project. 

Mamacocha Catchment Area 

WMC had verified that this area had extensive areas of limestone outcrops, except in the west. Due to 

this setting, it was estimated that there was a recharge level of 863,991 m 3 /a, which is insufficient to meet 

the demand of the project. 

Usable water levels 

The preliminary assessment which WMC completed in 1997, along with the available information, allowed 

the estimation of the usable levels of both surface water and groundwater, taking into consideration the 

appropriate restrictions. 

In the case of surface water resources, the usable flow rate was estimated to be at about 672 L/s, without 

considering the sub-areas corresponding to the Mishacocha and Mishacocha Chica Streams. This was 

done by taking into consideration the described characteristics of the catchment areas, of the precipitation 

levels (based on records provided by the meteorological station in Brillantana), of the evaporation rates 

(based on the TURC formula and on data from meteorological stations in Brillantana, Yanacocha and 

Michiquillay) and of the seepage levels (estimates based on projects in similar areas). The flow rate 



8-15

estimate, based on a rough calculation, could meet the water demand of the project, taking into 

consideration the possibility of extracting restricted water during the wet season to meet, the local 

demand during the dry season. 

In the case of groundwater, however, and taking into consideration the estimated recharge levels, which 

were calculated with preliminary water balance methods and conservative seepage factors, it was 

concluded that under a sustainable extraction scheme, the water flow which could be used to meet the 

demands of the project was in the order of 100 l/s, which would be insufficient to meet the demands of the 

project. 

Based on these preliminary estimates, it was concluded that the viable schemes for providing water to the 

project include using only surface water and using surface water in conjunction with groundwater. The 

alternative which included the exclusive use of groundwater was discarded due to the inability of this 

resource to sustainably meet the estimated demand of the project. 

In this context, the preliminary alternatives selected were: 

Water supply alternative 1: Surface water and groundwater 

Water supply alternative 2: Surface water 

However, considering the additional costs associated with the exploitation of groundwater resources and 

that further studies confirmed that there was sufficient surface water to meet the demands of the project, 

both for the mining process as well as for mitigating any generated impact, further endeavors did not take 

into account the assessment of hydrogeological resources. 

8.7.2.2 Internal water distribution system 

Once it was decided that surface water would be used, the next step was to estimate, with increasing 

accuracy, the water demands of the mining process as well as to what extent the surface water and 

groundwater of the area would be affected by the project. This was all done to analyze the alternatives of 

the final internal water resources management plan. 

It was estimated that the mining process demanded a water flow of 400 l/s during this stage of the project. 

This estimate included the use of water for the processes in the concentration plant, for the control of 

fugitive emissions and for the storage of water for fire control, among others. 

On the other hand, the impact on surface water and groundwater resources as a result of the execution of 

the project was estimated to occur due to variations in the characteristics of the catchment areas (e.g., 

size, seepage rate), flow rate variation (e.g., direction and flow) and variations in some natural elements 

related to the hydrological characteristics of the area (e.g., lakes and bogs) 

The preliminary impact assessment was completed by taking into consideration the five basins in which 

significant changes were likely to take place: the Chailhuagón River basin, the Alto Chirimayo Stream, the 

Chugurmayo Stream Basin, the Alto Jadibamba River basin and the Toromacho Stream basin. Given the 

configuration of the project available at the time of the study, it was felt that it was necessary to implement 

a water management plan to mitigate the impact on these five basins, obviously taking into consideration 

the magnitude of the changes that would take place in each one of them. 

In this manner and taking into account the positive water balance of the area, it was deemed necessary to 

build four reservoirs, which would provide the water requirements for the mining process and for the 

impact mitigation on the previously mentioned basins. The priority areas were the Chailhuagón River 

basin, the Alto Chirimayo Stream basin and the Jadibamba Upper Basin, as the mitigation needs in both 

the Toromacho Stream basin and the Chugurmayo Stream basin were deemed to be significantly lower. 



8-16

Subsequent project definitions and more detailed hydrologic studies made possible the appraisal of the 

characteristics of the reservoirs, mainly in terms of location and capacity. 

In that sense, two reservoirs were projected in the Alto Jadibamba basin, where most of the elements of 

the project would be built. These reservoirs, referred to as "superior" and "inferior", would be located 

upstream and downstream of the tailings storage facility and only the upper reservoir would provide water 

for both the mining process and for the stream, as part of the change mitigation plan. Additionally, these 

reservoirs would be able to mitigate the impact generated in the basin of the Toromacho Stream and 

receive water from the Chica and Azul Lakes. 

In the case of the Alto Chirimayo Stream basin, the project managers considered it necessary to build the 

Perol reservoir, which would mitigate the impact generated in that basin, and if mitigation is required, 

even drain the Perol Lake and the Chugurmayo Stream basin. This reservoir was not considered to 

supply water for the mining process. 

Regarding the Alto Chailhuagón Stream, it was deemed necessary to build the Chailhuagón reservoir, 

resulting from the expansion of the lake which bears the same name. The purpose of this reservoir would 

be to mitigate the impact in this basin, including the drainage of Lake Mala. As with the Perol reservoir, 

this reservoir was not considered to supply water for the mining process. 

Overall, the location of the reservoirs within the basins was defined based on criteria such as optimizing 

the use of space, the location of the catchment areas, the use of topographical conditions and proximity 

to other elements of the project. 

Finally, other types of impact were taken into consideration, especially those related to the quality of 

water resources. This generated the need to include in the project design such elements as acidic water 

treatment systems, diversion structures, settling and emergency ponds, temporary storage tanks, etc. 

These elements were designed by taking into consideration the outline defined as a result of the proposal 

of the project structures, mainly from the reservoirs, so that was not completed an analysis of additional 

alternatives. 

8.7.3 Location of the Concentrator Plant 

For the concentrator plant, eight initial alternatives were taken into consideration (Figure 8.7.1), which, 

after an analysis that is summarized in Chart 8.7.3, were reduced to four, because some were considered 

to be non-feasible, mainly due to technical issues. 

Chart 8.7.3 

Proposed location for the concentrator plant for the initial technical feasibility study 

Alternatives Description General rating in terms of technical feasibility 

A 

Near the topsoil stockpile 

Nº 1 

Selected because of its proximity to the upper 

reservoir and because of the route to the overland 

conveyor. 

Moderate requirements related to the pumping of 

tailings and fluids in general 

There are certain areas which require more 

geotechnical investigation 




8-17

Alternatives Description General rating in terms of technical feasibility 

B - C 

D 

E 

F 

G 

H 

South of the Perol waste 


Northeast of the 

Chailhuagón waste rock 

storage facility 


Nº 1 


Nº 1 

South of the upper 

reservoir 

Northeast of the tailings 

storage facility 

Selection based on the Project description as of 

2006 

Moderate requirements related to the pumping of 

tailings and fluids in general 

There are certain areas which require more 

geotechnical investigation 


Selected because of its relative proximity to the 

Perol pit 

It is located in a different basin from the one the 

Alto Jadibamba river runs through, meaning that it 

would require the development of a special 

infrastructure in a new basin 



tailings storage facility, allowing for its easy 

disposal due to gravity 

Relatively fewer requirements related to the 

pumping of tailings and fluids in general 

Rating: Good 

Selected as a variant to Alternative E 



Rating: Good 

Selected because of its ease of setting up 



Requires new Access routes 



tailing storage facility (to the north) 

Overland conveyor route long and complicated 

Considerably more requirements related to the 





8-18

According to the analysis, Alternative A, Alternative B - C (due to the similarity of their characteristics), 

Alternative E (which also includes Alternative F) and Alternative G, were studied in greater depth since, 

from a technical point of view, they met the minimum requirements to be considered as feasible options. 

Below is a summary of the results obtained, taking into consideration the technical and economic 

conditions of the alternatives, as well as the associated environmental and social characteristics. The 

development of the MCM for the alternatives evaluated is detailed in Table 8.7.2. 

8.7.3.1 Development of the analysis of alternatives matrix 

Weighting values were assigned to various accounts of the evaluation matrix according to the following 

fundamental reasons: 

Technical-Economic aspects (0.6): Based on criteria such as construction, cut and fill volumes, height 

difference for the pumping of tailings to the tailings storage facility, design of facilities, proximity to the 

primary crusher (pits) and logistics. Included are the criteria related to capital costs, operating costs and 

projected final costs. 

Environmental aspects (0.8): Based primarily on the ecological assessment of the area and the potential 

impact, in differentiated terms. 

Socioeconomic aspects (0.8): Based on criteria related to land and water usage, and socioeconomic 

impacts resulting from foreseeable environmental effects. 

Technical and economic aspects 

Out of the alternatives analyzed, Alternative E was the technically most favorable, while Alternative G had 

the lowest rating in these aspects. However, as explained below, further geotechnical investigations led 

to the conclusion that Alternative G had better conditions for a proper foundation. 

Although, all the alternatives analyzed during this stage met certain minimum technical requirements, new 

factors, such as proximity to the crushing area, ended up tipping the scales in favor of Alternative E. In 

regards to the removal of land for the construction of the plant, Alternative G was the best option because 

it required the least removal of material, thanks in part to its rocky foundations. 

On the other hand, alternatives A, B-C, and E included areas on or around a mineralized anomaly 

(Huayra Machay). Considering that this anomaly could, in future, be studied in order to assess its 

possible exploitation, these alternatives have a relative disadvantage compared to Alternative G. 

Concerning the socio-economic aspects, the construction of Alternative G was the most expensive option 

whereas Alternative E was the cheapest. 

Environmental aspects 

With regard to the environmental issues associated with each of the options, Alternative G obtained the 

highest rating as it boasted the lowest associated environmental cost. This is because the area is mainly 

grassland with the presence of a small Stream. Furthermore, the grasslands of this area are dominated 

by herbaceous plants, especially Poaceae and Asteraceae, and the area is habitat for a number of 

species like the wild guinea pig (cuy), and perching birds that feed on seeds and insects. Finally, the 

area has suitable land for grazing with its only main limitation being a steep slope. 

The option with the lowest rating is Alternative A, because the area includes a medium-sized Bog. 

Additionally, the area provides the highest quality of pastures for cattle and other herbivores, in addition to 

permanent water sources for the fauna species in the area. The area also has suitable land for 

sheepherding and land which is not suitable for agriculture due to its steep slopes. 

The other alternatives, obtained intermediate scores -- in ecological terms -- due to the abundance of 

bogs with only some smaller bodies of water. These alternatives have suitable land for grazing yet 

unsuitable for agriculture due to the steep slopes. 



8-19

Socioeconomic aspects 

Regarding the socioeconomic aspects associated with each option, they are fairly homogeneous, given 

the proximity of the potential locations. However, taking into account the socioeconomic impact criterion 

derived from the associated environmental effects, and taking into account the advantage of Alternative G 

in terms of environmental cost, the conclusion obtained is that this alternative presents the best option, 

albeit by a much smaller difference from a socioeconomic perspective. 

Finally, as seen in Chart 8.7.4 and Table 8.7.2, Alternative G appears as the preferred alternative for the 

location of the concentrator plant. 

Chart 8.7.4 

Summary of the analysis of alternatives for the location of the concentrator plant 

Analyzed Aspects Alternative A Alternative B – C Alternative E Alternative G 

Technical-economic 2.2 0.4 4.3 2.9 

Environmental -7.7 -5.1 -5.1 -2.6 

Socio-economic 0 -0.3 -0.2 1.0 

Total -5.5 -5.1 -1.0 1.3 


Generally speaking, a waste rock storage facility ought to be set up in the proximity of the pit in order to 

reduce the distance between the two plants, and thereby driving down haulage costs, both in economic 

and environmental terms. 

Likewise, depending on the characteristics of the material from the waste rock storage facility and of the 

associated seepage or runoff, it is important to consider a location that will make it possible to manage 

these issues adequately. 

As mentioned earlier, the Conga Project involves the development of two pits, one of which, 

corresponding to the Perol site, consists largely of PAG material. 

As described above, and considering that the Perol pit will be developed in the basin of the Alto 

Chirimayo Stream, on the boundaries of the basins of the Alto Jadibamba River and the Chugurmayo 

Stream, the only technically feasible options, taking into account the expected distances between the 

waste rock storage facility and the pit, were the upper basin of the Alto Jadibamba River, to the northwest 

of the pit; the upper basin of the Chugurmayo Stream, to the northeast of the pit; and in the basin of the 

Alto Chirimayo Stream, to the southwest, south and southeast of the pit. These alternatives are presented 

in Chart 8.7.5. 

Chart 8.7.5 

Possible locations for the Perol waste rock storage facility 

Alternatives (basins) Description (location within 

the basins) 

General feasibility rating 



8-20

Alto Jadibamba river basin Upper part of the basin, 

northwest of the Perol pit 

Chugurmayo stream basin Upper part of the basin, 

northeast of the Perol pit 

Chirimayo stream basin Upper part of the basin, 

southwest, south and 

southeast of the Perol pit 



8-21 

It is feasible, taking into account the 

topographic and space availability 

factors. In addition, the Project 

includes some elements, such as 

good geological containment, 

within the basin which make it 

easier to holistically manage the 

project 

It is not feasible as it would be 

necessary to handle the fluids with 

PAG material in an additional basin. 

It is not feasible. The south side of 

the pit is the ideal location for the 

waste rock storage facility linked 

with Chailhuagón due to its 

geochemical characteristics which 

would allow acceptable quality 

runoff and seepage in the basin. 

Furthermore, the area to the south 

of the pit would require an 

expansion of the project’s 

boundaries downstream of the 

basin, where there are populated 

areas. 

As is presented in Chart 8.7.5, the option associated with the Jadibamba River basin has a comparative 

advantage: the possibility of having the two facilities with more demanding water management 

requirements, in terms of seepage and runoff, in one same basin. Subsequent studies made it possible 

to corroborate the containment of the basin, providing a "closed system", from a hydrological and 

hydrogeological perspective, which means that the proposed arrangement of structures is the best option. 

Additionally, the other options had drawbacks which, in some cases, represented additional 

environmental or social costs, such as altering a new basin with PAG material and with the necessary 

management system; increasing the area covered by the project; or having to occupy areas which are 

much closer to populated areas. 

Thus, the area considered as the best option for the location of the waste rock storage facility associated 

with the Perol Pit was the upper basin of the Alto Jadibamba River, to the northwest of the pit. The main 

factors that reduced the likelihood of locating the previously mentioned waste rock storage facility in the 

area delimited by the three basins were mainly the topography, but also the potential for future 

development of the area associated with the Huayra Machay mineralization. 

In the next stage, there were four alternatives proposed for this area, which differed from one another 

basically in terms of areas to be occupied and capacity levels. However, as seen in Chart 8.7.6, two of 

these alternatives occupied areas of limestone outcrop. So, considering the likely nature of the tank 

seepages and following the logic of placing the material in a "closed system" , these alternatives were 

discarded. Further studies will make it possible to determine whether this limestone area has connectivity 

characteristics that limit its use for possible expansions of the WRSF; however, until these studies have 

been finalized, we will continue with a conservative design. 

Chart 8.7.6

Proposed locations for the Perol waste rock storage facility for the initial technical feasibility 

study 

Alternatives for the 

design 

Alternative 1 Alternative located in limestone 

outcrop areas. 

Capacity 748 Mt 

Alternative 2 Alternative located in limestone 

outcrop areas. 


Alternative 3 Alternative located outside of 

limestone outcrop areas. 


Alternative 4 Alternative located outside of 

limestone outcrop areas. 


Description Rating 

Since it has not been possible to dismiss the 

connectivity between the outcrops and areas 

outside of the basin, from a conservative 

perspective, this Alternative has been rejected. 

Rating: Temporarily discarded 

Since it has not been possible to dismiss the 

connectivity between the outcrops and areas 

outside of the basin, from a conservative 

perspective, this Alternative has been rejected. 

Rating: Temporarily discarded 

Both the design and the location meet the 

requirements. 

Rating: Feasible 

Both the design and the location meet the 

requirements. 


Considering the feasibility of Alternatives 3 and 4, because not considered within the footprint areas 

hydrogeological behavior without a full definition and include water management system without contact, 

drainage and seepage flowing into the basin considered within the "closed system", we proceeded to 

define the final option based on capacity requirements. 

Finally, according to the mining plan prepared by MYSRL, the amount of excavated material to be 

generated in the Perol Pit will be less than 500,000,000 t, which is why Alternative 4 is considered the 

best option and the design was developed around it. 


The Conga Project requires the removal of the Perol Bog (Approximately 4.35 million m 3 of materials 

must be removed) in order to access the Perol reservoir resources. For that reason, the project 

management plan requires taking into account a number of factors in order to define the characteristics of 

the removal, transportation and disposal of material. 

In regard to the removal of the Bog, the first factors taken into consideration were the volume, size, and 

depth of the Bog in the Perol open pit area. Having determined these values, the alternatives for the 

extraction of the Bog were identified; they are presented below: 

Extraction Alternative 1: Suction Dredger 

Extraction Alternative 2: Drag Dredger 

Extraction Alternative 3: Excavators and Trucks 

Based on previous experiences, it was determined that Alternatives 1 and 2 posed a high risk in terms of 

accidents. Consequently, these alternatives were laid aside, leaving the use of excavators and trucks as 

the only viable means of extracting the material. 



8-22

In the case of moving the Bog from its original location to another, due to its physical characteristics, 

options such as pumping or using conveyor belts all proved to be either technically or economically 

unfeasible. The only feasible alternative was to use trucks, similar to those employed for transporting 

mined material. 

During the last stage of the management of the Bog, which involved its disposal, it was determined that 

the number of alternatives was relatively small, given the necessary requirements of the possible 

destinations and taking into account the acidic nature of the material and its geomechanical behavior, 

which requires a large space due to its repose angle. 

Another significant factor was the distance between the Perol Bog and where all the wastage would be 

transported to. This is because long routes are associated with greater economic and environmental 

costs. 

Under these conditions, the only options were the use of the tailings deposit and the Perol waste rock 

storage facility. Unlike the other locations, these would allow an adequate management of water flows 

which may come in contact with the material from the Bog. Due to the good geological conditions of the 

basin, it should be possible to adequately monitor runoff and seepage. 

Finally, for the design of the Perol waste rock storage facility, it was deemed necessary to dispose of the 

Bog material. The assessment of this disposal included factors such as physical and chemical stability 

(seepage and runoff management). If part of the Bog material were to discharge into the tailings deposit, 

we do not expect this activity to cause a significant change in the considerations used for the design. 


As mentioned above, in the emplacement area for the elements of the project there are two transportation 

corridors which are used by the surrounding villages, and which connect the north-south and east-west 

sectors of the project. These would be interrupted in some stretches, cutting off existing connectivity. 

In this context, MYSRL, as part of the project, considered the idea of building a network of transportation 

corridors in order to develop the project in each of its stages and also help mitigate the socioeconomic 

impact associated with the disruption of the existing corridors. In this manner, there were three 

transportation network alternatives which could be used by communities when transiting through the area. 

These would connect the north with the south and the east with the west of this area. 

The alternatives for the new north-south and east-west transportation corridors, as described in 

Figure 8.7.3, were: 

Alternative 1: The north-south transportation corridor will begin at the hamlet of Amaro, and run 

alongside the east side of the Perol waste rock storage facility. Reaching the north of the Perol Pit, a 

bypass will need to be built in order to continue the journey southward and eventually reach the hamlet 

of San Nicolás. 

The east-west transportation corridor will begin at approximately 500 m to the east of the Chirimayo 

sedimentation pond using the existing road and will extend westward crossing the Chailhuagón haul 

road. The transportation corridor will run parallel to the conveyor belt and will connect with the main 

access road, continuing along the project service roads. Northwards, at a distance of approximately 1 

km to south of the Toromacho dam, the road will fork and end up connecting with the existing road 

towards Namacocha and Quengorío Alto. 

Alternative 2: The new north-south transportation corridor will start at just over 500 m to the south of the 

Cortada Lake on the existing road and will run parallel to the Lluspioc Stream towards the lower 

reservoir dam. From that point on, the road will connect with the project service road connecting the 



8-23

northern sector facilities with the main access road, and will extend southwards to the Chailhuagón 

reservoir where it will finally lead towards the hamlet of San Nicolas. 

The east-west transportation corridor will have two routes, one will start to the east of the Chirimayo 

sedimentation pond and run parallel along the east of the Chailhuagón pit and then continue on north 

along the main access road until it connects with the existing road which leads to Mamacocha. The 

other route will run parallel along the north of the Perol Pit and the Chailhuagón waste rock storage 

facility, to then connect with the north-south transportation corridor. 

Alternative 3: The new north-south corridor will comprise the same route as the one considered in 

Alternative 2. The east-west corridor will have the same route and the same characteristics as the one 

described in Alternative 1. 

The most important characteristics of these alternatives are summarized in Chart 8.7.7 below. 

Chart 8.7.7 

Proposed routes for the new north-south and east-west transportation corridors 

Alternatives Description Rating 

Alternative 1 

Alternative 2 

This Alternative takes into account 

the current transportation 

corridors plan, with some 

additional stretches. 

This Alternative contemplates the 

building of a ringway around the 

project. 

It requires the enabling of 13.00 km of roads. 

Moderate Investment. 

It will cause the least impact on the environment 

because the intervened area will be smaller. 

It will be possible to maintain or reduce the 

current traveling times, both in the north-south 

and in the east-west transportation corridors. 

Moderate accident risk potential because there 

will be a lot of traffic on the roads 


It requires the enabling of 31.23 km of roads. 

High Investment. 

It will cause the most impact on the environment 

because the intervened area will be larger. 

Could negatively and significantly affect traveling 

times, both in the north-south and in the eastwest 

transportation corridors. 

Low accident risk potential because there will not 

be a lot of traffic on the roads 

Rating: Rejected 



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Alternative 3 

This Alternative combines the first 

and second Alternatives, with a 

road that encircles the northwest 

area of the project as part of the 

north-south transportation corridor 

and the east-west one is similar to 

the one in Alternative 1. 

It requires the enabling of 16.90 km of roads 

Moderate Investment 

The impact it will cause on the environment falls 

in between what Alternatives 1 and Alternative 2 

will cause. 

Could negatively and significantly affect traveling 

times, both in the north-south transportation 

corridor whereas in the east-west one it would be 

equivalent to Alternative 1. 

Low accident risk potential because there will not 

be a lot of traffic on the roads 


As can be seen in Chart 8.7.7, in order to make the final decision regarding the transportation corridor, a 

number of factors were taken into account, such as safety issues, potential environmental and 

socioeconomic impact as well as technical feasibility. This chart also describes the reasons why 

Alternative 2 was discarded: it would cause the highest environmental and social impact, in addition to the 

higher associated costs. 

The most significant differences between Alternatives 1 and 3 are in their comparative advantages. In the 

case of Alternative 1, it is the environmental and socioeconomic factors even though these differences 

can be considered as minor. On the other hand, Alternative 3 has a key advantage in that it boasts a 

lower accident risk, since, according to this particular transportation network proposal, both the population 

and the vehicles which are related to the project would circulate simultaneously on a moderately 

congested roads. However, in the case of Alternative 1, this risk has been rated as high mainly because 

of the substantial number of mining vehicles which circulate on the roads. 

Finally, it can be concluded that Alternative 3 is the best option as the risks and costs, both environmental 

and socioeconomic, are within what is considered to be acceptable. 



8-25

Section 9.0 - Civic Engagement Plan 

The Civic Engagement Plan (CEP) outlined in this chapter is a copy of the document submitted to the 

General Directorate of Environmental Affairs and Mining (DGAAM in Spanish) of the Ministry of Energy 

and Mines, along with the EIA and its Executive Summary. 

The CEP will be implemented across every phase of the Conga project within of the project’s direct and 

indirect influence, and as per Supreme Decree Nº 028-2008-EM, Regulations of Civic Engagement in the 

Mining Subsector and Ministry Resolution N° 304-2008-MEM/DM N° 304-2008-MEM/DM, which regulates 

and establishes a civic engagement process criteria and tools within the mining subsector. 

It is worth mentioning that, in compliance with the Third Provisional Clause of Supreme Decree Nº 028- 

2008-EM, Regulations of Civic Engagement in the Mining Subsector, the CEP does not include civic 

engagement tools during the phase prior to the EIA’s development, as they were not requested at the 

start of the project activities, approximately 2005, before the aforementioned regulation entered into 

effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, certain activities executed during the preparation phase are 

included herein as reference (see background). 

The CEP aims at improving the quality of the relationship between the surrounding communities, the 

mining title-holder and the State, as well as providing adequate information about the proposed project. It 

also proposes strategies and tools to foster involvement and dialogue between local people and the 

mining title-holder, so as to include their observations and suggestions in the project’s Environmental 

Impact Assessment (EIA). 

This plan includes documents on tools that were implemented prior to the CEP’s development, and 

justification for the implementation of such civic engagement tools in the following phases: EIA 

preparation, EIA process, and mining project execution. 


This chapter outlines the CPE’s legal framework and justifies non enforceability in the use of civic 

engagement tools in the phase prior to the EIA’s development. It also outlines the development of civic 

engagement tools that were implemented during the EIA’s development stage as well as additional 

activities executed by the project. 

9.1.1 Legal framework 

9.1.1.1 Political Constitution of Peru 

Paragraph 17 of the second article of the Political Constitution of Peru states that every person has the 

right to participate, individually or in association with others, in the political, economic, social and cultural 

life of the Country. 

Furthermore, article 66 includes the basis for environment and natural resources’ management, in 

compliance with the following: 

Renewable and non-renewable natural resources are the Country’s patrimony. 

The State is sovereign in their use and promotes sustainable management of its natural resources. 

The organic law establishes the terms of their use and assignment to private parties. Such assignment 

grants title-holders a claim subject to those legal regulations. 

9.1.1.2 General environmental framework – Law 28611, General Environmental Law 

The General Environmental Law is the legal, regulatory framework for environmental management in 

Peru. The third article of the introductory title establishes the rights to responsibly participate in the 

decision-making processes, as well as in the definition and implementation of environment policies, 

measures and its components, that will be adopted by each government level. 



9-1

In addition, paragraph 1 of Article 48 establishes that public officials will establish formal tools to facilitate 

effective civic participation in environmental management processes and promote its development and 

use by individuals or businesses that are related to, interested in, or involved with a particular decisionmaking 

process on environmental matters or their implementation, follow-up and control; and also 

encourage, as far as possible, the generation of skills within the organizations dedicated to environment 

and natural resources protection, as well as their involvement in environment management. 

9.1.1.3 Specific environment regulations – D.S. Nº 002-2009-MINAM Regulations on transparency, 

public environment information access, and participation and public consultation on environmental affairs 

This regulation on transparency and access to public environmental information and consultation 

establishes the rules for public environmental information access. 

Article 21 of the aforementioned regulation establishes that civic engagement is the process that allows 

civic and responsible participation, in good faith, transparent and honest, individually or collectively, in the 

definition and implementation of environmental policies and its components, that will be adopted by each 

government levels, as well as in public decision-making processes on environmental matters, including its 

execution and supervision. The second chapter of this regulation establishes the rules for the 

development and approval of environmental impact assessments. Articles 32, 33, and 34 establish the 

procedures for community workshops and public hearings. 

9.1.1.4 Sector Regulations – Regulations on civic engagement for the mining subsector 

D.S. 028-2008-EM 

Civic engagement is a public process carried out with the purpose of placing adequate and prompt 

information at people’s disposal regarding mining activities to be implemented in the area. 

D.S. Nº 028‑2008‑EM, issued on May 27th, 2008, regulates all civic engagement process in the mining 

subsector, to rule on the participation of all individuals and businesses, individually or in community, in the 

MINEM decision-making and functional processes for the sustainable use of mineral resources. 

R.M. Nº 304-2008-MEM/DM develops all civic engagement tools as described in the civic participation 

regulations. 

Furthermore, Title IV establishes the legal dispositions applicable to civic engagement processes during 

the exploitation and benefits of projects, including the development of civic engagement tools before and 

during the EIA’s development, during the EIA’s evaluation stage, and the engagement plan’s design 

during the operational stage. 

To that end, it establishes the implementation of at least one community workshop in the project’s 

influence area and any other complementary civic engagement tools before and during the EIA’s 

development. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and according to the regulation’s third provisional clause, 

the EIA or EIAs that are in the development stage or completed at the time the supreme decree entered 

into effect, are not requested to apply such civic engagement tools during the stage prior to the EIA’s 

implementation. To that effect, start date of the EIA’s development will be properly documented. 

All civic engagement tools proposed by the CEP must be developed during the EIA’s evaluation stage. 

The CEP also includes tools to be implemented during the project’s operation and execution and will 

include an execution schedule of selected tools. 

9.1.2 CEP stage before EIA’s development 

Sub-chapter 2.1.4 justifies non-enforceability of civic engagement tools during the stage prior to EIA’s 

development. This justification is included in the Civic Engagement Plan filed with the authority, which 

also includes documents on the start date of the environmental impact assessment activities during 2005, 

before D.S.-028-2008-EM entered into effect. 



9-2

9.1.3 CEP stage during EIA’s development 

Civic engagement tools decreed by the regulation were developed during this stage, as well as additional 

activities designed to expand the civic participation’s range. These activities and tools are discussed 

next: 

9.1.3.1 Civic engagement tools applied during the EIA’s development stage 

Civic engagement tools decreed by law were implemented during the EIA’s development stage with the 

purpose of providing relevant project information, including results of project reports performed by the 

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Such tools, as detailed herein, allowed for the promotion of the 

socialization and information transparency process, key aspects for the Conga project. 

Community workshops 

As stipulated by the regulation, these tools are intended to provide information and establish a dialogue 

between local surrounding communities and the mining title-holder, as well as collecting community’s 

perceptions and concerns. 

The Conga project carried out two informative workshops to inform the project’s description and EIA’s 

progress and results, both at rural and urban level, thus allowing further communication among the 

communities and collection of the communities’ concerns. Aforementioned workshops were carried out 

with the assistance of the Regional Mining Directorate of the Regional Government of Cajamarca 

(DREMC) representatives, and were reported to the General Directorate of Environmental Affairs and 

Mining (DGAAM). 

Objective 

The objective of the information workshops was to put suitable and adequate information at people’s 

disposal: project premises, water management policy and social investment guidelines developed during 

mine construction and operation. Also, EIA relevant aspects were reported, such as environmental and 

socio-economic baseline results, identification of potential impacts and environmental and social 

mitigation plans. 

Venues and participants 

Two information workshops were held. The first workshop was held on December 10 at the project’s DAI, 

and the town of Quengorío Alto was selected as the venue. A total of 491 people attended this workshop, 

including villagers and local officials from 11 towns of project’s DAI. 

The second information workshop was held on December 11, 2009 at the ISP Aristides Merino 

auditorium, in one of the AII project towns, Province of Celendin. A total of 90 people attended, including 

villagers and local officials from the districts of Sorochuco, Huasmin and La Encañada, and the Provinces 

of Celendin and Cajamarca. 

Justification 

As stated in the methodology chapter, the target audience for this chapter is the DAI’s population. 

Consequently, the town of Quengorio Alto was selected as venue for the rural workshop based on the 

following reasons: 

Adequate access road from 11 towns within the Conga project’s direct influence area. 

The longest road trip, from the most distant town to Quengorío Alto, takes two hours. 

A tent was installed on the side of Quengorío Alto’s sports field. 

The tent had a capacity of 600 people approximately. It included main access and two emergency exits 

one in each side of the tent. 

For safety purposes, surveillance rounds were carried out by villagers and the Peru National Police’s 

presence was requested. 

Therefore, significant attendance to the workshops was insured. 



9-3

On the other hand, the city of Celendin was selected for urban workshops due to the following 

considerations: 

Celendín is the province’s capital for the districts of Sorochuco and Huasmin, in which the majority of 

the Conga project’s DAI towns live. 

Adequate access roads to Celendin from the Sorochuco and Huasmin urban centers. 

Access from the Sorochuco and Huasmin districts urban centers is closest towards the city of Celendin. 

Securing people’s involvement 

Some rural roads are in optimal conditions, so as to allow the villagers from the DAI to attend the process. 

To securer the DAI and AII people’s attendance, the following actions were performed: 

Transportation. Coordination with rural and urban officials to transport participants, from rural 

communities (11 towns) and urban centers (Sorochuco, Huasmin and La Encañada) to the workshops. 

A vehicle for round trip transportation was provided. 

Before formally inviting authorities to report the process, rural and urban assemblies were held by the 

Conga project’s community relations unit. 

A personalized follow-up was performed immediately after formal invitation to reinforce invitation until 

the day of the event. Follow-up activities were carried out by the Conga project’s community affairs unit. 

Concerns and expectations 

Certain concerns and expectations arose during the workshops’ development, which were included in the 

EIA. Concerns and expectations are described next: 

Within the urban scope, concerns and expectations were expressed through the following seven (7) 

written questions: 

Chart 9.1 

Systematization of Written Question in Urban Workshops 

Subject Number of questions 

Public consultation 1 

Environmental workshops 1 

Rural power generation 1 

Potential of mine’s precious metals 1 

Joint development plan 1 

Local economy sustainability 1 

Environmental management 1 

Total 7 

Source: MYSRL 

Simultaneously, oral intervention was allowed and attendees were able to resolve their concerns. As a 

result, nine (9) questions were recorded: 

Chart 9.2 

Systematization of Oral Questions in Urban Workshops 


Water: quantity, quality, sources 3 

Course of action 2 

Project stages 1 

Employment 1 



9-4

Definition of DAI 1 

Primary economy sustainability 1 

Total 9 

Source: MYSRL 

Within the rural attendance, active participant involvement was observed, focusing on water issues, 

benefits for the DAI, employment, among other topics. Consequently, thirty (30) written questions were 

recorded: 

Chart 9.3 

Systematization of Written Question in Rural Workshops 


Water: quantity, quality, seasonality, lake and basin management, supervision, monitoring 8 

DAI benefits: tax benefit, opportunities, guidelines, agriculture and livestock issues 6 

Employment: training, opportunities, requirements 5 

Mine closure: water, former owners, environment 4 

Environment pollution: soil, noise 3 

Former owners: support 2 

Project stages: extent, permits 2 

Total 30 

Source: MYSRL 

Simultaneously, oral intervention was allowed and attendees were able to express any remaining 

concern. As a result, ten questions were recorded: 

Chart 9.4 

Systematization of Oral Questions in Urban Workshops 


Water: training, use of sources, groundwater 3 

Employment 1 

Former owners 1 

DAI definition 1 

Mining commitments 1 

Environmental pollution: cyanide 1 

Agriculture and livestock projects 1 

Project stages 1 

Total 10 

Source: MYSRL 

Answers to these questions and concerns are detailed next: 

Water resources management: “The Conga project envisions the construction of four water reservoirs, 

three of which will be used for agriculture and farming purposes and one for operations. Fresh water 

supply and its quality will not be affected.” 

Land acquisition policy: “two methods were used for land acquisition: in exchange for money or for 

another plot of land. For the former, owners are free to decide on how to use their money. For the 

latter, they may have to move to a new property. Once the land acquisition process is completed, the 

Social Support Plan for Land Acquisition (PASAT) will start.” 



9-5

Benefit for the towns within the Conga project: “Conga Project includes a social management plan that 

is part of the EIA and envisages social investment in five areas, which will be developed with priority in 

the towns within the project’s area of influence.” 

Environmental impact: “The Conga project will operate under the highest quality standards to insure the 

environment’s protection.” 

Employment policy: "The Conga project is designing a local training and employment program (PCEL in 

Spanish) comprising the following: 1) Compilation, validation of inhabitant list; 2) Criteria for the 

appointment of work positions per town; 3) Recruitment and selection; 4) Communications; 5) Training; 

6) Occupational reinsertion program”. 

Three invitation signs were installed in the rural areas of El Porvenir, Lagunas de Combayo and Agua 

Blanca. In addition, ten signs were installed in the municipalities or common areas of the Sorochuco, 

Huasmin, La Encañada, Celendin and Cajamarca districts. Details are included in the following chart. 

Chart 9.5 

Information Signage 

Workshop Place Location 

Rural El Porvenir Public School 

Lagunas de Combayo Public School and Community House 

Agua Blanca Community House 

Urban Celendín district Ministry of Interior 

Celendin province’s City Hall 

Huasmín district District City Hall 

"Huasminerito" restaurant 

Sorochuco district District’s City Hall 

"El Plebeyo" restaurant 

La Encañada district District’s City Hall 

Cajamarca district Province’s City Hall 

Regional government 

Regional Directorate of Energy and Mines 

Source MYSRL 

Distribution of informative material 

In compliance with the regulation, two informative bulletins were developed for the community workshop 

executed in December and were distributed among workshop participants from the town of Quengorio 

Alto and the city of Celendin. 

The first brochure “Two stories to think about together” was developed to establish a transparent and 

straight dialogue between the project and the towns, without bias and with equal treatment. 

The second brochure “What does EIA mean?” was developed to clarify concerns submitted during 

October’s workshop. The information is written in simple language and illustrated with local images. This 

material reinforces people’s knowledge on the value and purpose of the environmental impact 

assessment. 

It is worth mentioning that printed information contributes to providing knowledge and information, which 

may also be shared with the family and the community. 



9-6

Surveys, interviews, and focus groups 

In addition to the previous tool, three urban focus groups were carried out in the Sorochuco, Celendín and 

Huasmín districts to collect information about the people’s interests, concerns, expectations, opinions, 

and demands regarding community relations between the project and its social environment. These 

focus groups gathered a total of 21 people in three sessions. The schedule and number of participants 

are detailed as follows: 

Chart 9.6 

Focal Group Schedule 

Nº Location Date Subject Number of participants 

1 Sorochuco November 25, Mining: Development 

9 

2 Celendín Nov 2009 26, 2009 Opportunities 

5 

3 Huasmín Dec 03, 2009 7 

Source: MYSRL 

Total 21 

Guided visits to the project’s areas or facilities 

In order to confirm the company’s commitment to a sustainable environmental management, the project 

created an “Internship Program” that included field visits for villagers and officials from 11 DAI and AII 

towns, between September 28 and November 5, 2009. Visitors were taken to an operation unit of the 

company and were able to learn about Conga project’s environmental management. 

Chart 9.7 

Internship Program Schedule 1 

Nº Town Date 

1 El Lirio Sep 28, 09 

2 Uñigán Lirio Sep 28, 09 

3 Uñigán Pululo Sep 28, 09 

4 Faro Bajo Sep 30, 09 

5 Tablacucho Sep 30, 09 

6 El Tingo Oct 2, 09 

7 Uñigán Pululo Oct 12, 09 

8 Coñicorgue Nov 5, 09 

9 Cruzpampa Nov 5, 09 

10 El Alumbre Nov 5, 09 

11 Jerez Nov 5, 09 

Source: MYSRL 

1 Invitation positions available only as support 

Traditional tools 

Community assemblies have been identified as legitimate traditional tools for encouraging civic 

participation in rural towns within the project’s area of influence, as they provide a context for information 

dissemination, debate, and agreements among community officials, people, and project. 

In consequence, Conga performed has promoted 10 community assemblies with town representatives 

within the project’s direct and indirect area of influence to date. During those meetings, EIA’s 

development was discussed, and preliminary agreements were reached, including local development 

guidelines based on tangible local requirements. 



9-7

A total of 27 pre-agreements were reached with town representatives within the project’s direct and 

indirect area of influence during the following meetings held: 

Chart 9.8 

Community Assembly Schedules 

Nº Town Date 

1 Agua Blanca Sep 17, 09 

2 San Nicolás Sep 22, 09 

3 Yerba Buena Chica Sep 23, 09 

4 Lagunas de Combayo Sep 24, 09 

5 Quengorío Alto Sep 24, 09 

6 Huasiyuc Jadibamba Oct 13, 09 

7 Piedra Redonda Amaro Oct 13, 09 

8 El Alumbre Nov 11, 09 

9 Quengorío Bajo Nov 11, 09 

10 Cruzpampa Nov 16, 09 

11 El Tingo Nov 16, 09 

12 Faro Bajo Nov 16, 09 

13 Tablacucho Nov 16, 09 

14 Uñigán Lirio Nov 16, 09 

15 Uñigán Pululo Nov 16, 09 

16 Jerez Nov 17, 09 

17 Shanipata Nov 17, 09 

18 Chilac Nº8, Nov 18, 09 

19 Coñicorgue, Nov 18, 09 

20 El Alto Nº8 Nov 18, 09 

21 El Lirio Nov 18, 09 

22 El Valle Nov 18, 09 

23 Quinuapampa Nov 18, 09 

24 San Juan de Yerba Buena Nov 18, 09 

25 Jadibamba Bajo Nov 23, 09 

26 Chugurmayo Nov 16, 09 

27 Pampa Verde Nov 23, 09 

Source: MYSRL 

This is an MYSRL effort to achieve consensus and support local development, which is inserted within 

existing joint development plans of the local governments. The following chart includes information on 

the pre-agreements with the towns within the project’s area of influence. 

Chart 9.9 

Pre-agreements with towns within the area of influence 

Nº Town Pre-agreement 

1 San Nicolas Assessment of dam construction alternatives: Challguagon lake, Pampa 

Chica wetland - Huayramachay; Cahire lake 

2 Assessment for the construction of micro-reservoirs: Poyo Secreto or 

Pipirija 

3 Tree nursery, production of 20 thousand seedlings 

4 Automated spray irrigation system: El Lirio pilot reservoir 



9-8

5 Agriculture and livestock technical support 

6 Milk processing plant construction assessment; 1000lts/day capacity 

Nº Town Pre-agreement 

7 Agua Blanca Automated irrigation (1/2 Ha pilot) 

8 Pasture improvement (pilot construction) 

9 Cheese plant; 500/lts/day 

10 Vet first aid post 

11 Health aid post 

12 Quengorío Alto Previous concern on environmental issues before prioritizing 

13 Lagunas de Design and assessment of potable water project 

14 Combayo Preparation and assessment of irrigation project 

15 Lagunas – Quinuapampa Road studies 

16 Piedra Water 

17 Redonda El Literacy 

18 Amaro Access road improvement 

19 Livestock development 

20 Automated irrigation 

21 Huasiyuc Water 

22 Jadibamba Literacy 

23 Access roads improvement 

24 Livestock development 

25 Automated irrigation 

26 Quengorío Bajo Drinking water: workforce and materials (first priority) 

27 School perimeter fence 

28 Market: bathroom facilities and septic tank 

29 Quengorío bridge construction 

30 Main square (Plaza de Armas) leveling 

31 Stadium leveling 

32 Chugurmayo Support for Health Center implementation 

33 Support to the education center implementation (previous research) 

34 Comprehensive livestock development project 

Source: MYSRL 

It is worth mentioning that this process has not been completed. However, guidelines resulting from such 

agreements will be included in the social management plan. 

Participative environmental monitoring and supervision 

Within the participative environmental monitoring and supervision framework, MYSRL proposes a 

participative environmental and social monitoring program (PMPAS) to generate confidence and 

credibility within the Conga project’s social environment to carry out the operation, environmental and 

social actions in an open and transparent manner. 

Training monitoring sessions were held in towns within the area of influence. Monitors were selected in 

the community assemblies to legitimate the monitoring process. The first training sessions were carried 

out on October 20 and 21, 2009. Environmental monitoring was the first session’s topic, while the second 

day included a participative monitoring exercise at two locations. The project’s intention of appointing 

community monitors is to actively involve the community in the project’s activities, responsibilities and 

benefits. Shared monitoring will not only generate credible data and information but it will also build 

confidence and reinforce people’s skills on environmental care. 



9-9

Chart 9.10 

Towns with Community Monitors 1 

Nº Town No of participants 

1 Chilac N° 8 2 

2 Chugurmayo 2 

3 Coñicorgue 2 

4 El Alto N° 08 2 

5 El Valle 2 

6 Huasiyuc Jadibamba 2 

7 Jadibamba Bajo 2 

8 Namococha 2 

9 Pampa Verde 2 

10 Quengorío Alto 2 

11 San Nicolás 2 

12 Santa Rosa de Huasmín 2 

13 Uñigan Pululo 2 

14 Agua Blanca 1 

15 Cruzpampa 1 

16 El Alumbre 1 

17 El Faro Bajo 1 

18 El Tingo 1 

19 Lagunas de Combayo 1 

20 Piedra Redonda El Amaro 1 

21 Quengorío Bajo 1 

22 Quengorío Bajo 1 

23 Quinuapampa 1 

24 Tablacucho 1 

25 Uñigan Lirio 1 

Total participants 38 

Source: MYSRL 

1 Invitation positions included only as support. 



9-10

Chart 9.11 

Monitoring training programs on shared environmental monitoring: Surface water 

General topic Specific topic 

Goal PRE TEST 

Water cycle 

Which are the sources that have an impact on water? 

What is water environmental monitoring? 

What is participative environmental monitoring? 

Why do we send samples to the laboratory? 

General idea Water in our environment 

Water cycle 

Surface water 

Groundwater 

Surface water classification 

Specific and non-specific sources that have a negative impact on water 

What has an impact on water quality 

What do we measure in water 

Participative 

monitoring plan 

Sampling stations selection 

Preparation of sampling schedule 

Officials and villager invitations 

Equipment and materials selection 

Field sampling 

Communication of results 

What you can do Building confidence and breaking down barriers 

Filling out forms 

Post test 

Source: MYSRL 

During this stage, civic engagement tools are being developed in order to provide relevant information on 

the project that serves as framework for the reception of EIA’s report results for the following stage, and 

to strengthen the socialization and information transparency processes. 

9.1.3.2 Additional activities to expand community participation 

The following additional activities were implemented by Minera Yanacocha L.L.P. to expand community 

participation during EIA’s development. These activities facilitated communication and people’s 

participation. They also allowed interactions with involved towns and a more open approach to rural and 

urban stakeholders in the project’s direct (DAI) and indirect area of influence (IAI). 

Chart 9.12 

Additional activities to expand an integral participation 

Nº Additional activities 

1 Additional activities: Informative Workshops 

2 Additional activities: Informative meetings “Project Status and New Mining Industry” 

3 Additional activities: Informative meetings “Project status” 

4 Additional activities: Environmental Legislation Course 

5 Additional activities: Hydrology Course 

6 Additional activities: Workshop with former owners 

Source: MYSRL 



9-11

Additional activities: Informative workshops 

Information workshops were carried out at urban and rural areas to record people’s concerns, inputs, 

comments, and observations, providing direct interaction between the project and the communities. 

Objectives 

Strengthen communication canals between the project and towns to cover the area of influence 

population’s expectations and concerns on the effects of the Conga project in the region in order to build 

an educated civic participation. 

Venues and Participants 

Five information workshops were carried out, one in the rural area, on October 29, 2009, and four in the 

urban area, on October 30, November 18 and 19, 2009 (in Huasmin and Celendin) gathering a total of 

592 participants. The rural workshop took place in the San Nicolas town, gathering approximately 

384 participants from 11 towns within the project’s direct area of influence area and surroundings. The 

October 30 workshop took place in the city of Celendin at the ISP Aristides Merino Auditorium with 

94 participants from the project’s indirect area of influence: Sorochuco, Huasmin, La Encañada and 

theProvince of Celendin. The November 18 and 19 workshops took place in the cities of Sorochuco, 

Huasmin and Celendin, with 29, 25 and 63 participants, respectively. 

Chart 9.13 

Informative workshops during EIA 

Nº Area Location Date Number of participants 

1 Rural San Nicolas Town Oct 29, 09 384 

2 

Celendín Oct 30, 09 94 

3 

4 

Urban 

Sorochuco 

Huasmín 

Nov 18, 09 

Nov 19, 09 

25 

26 

5 Celendín Nov 19, 09 63 

Total 592 

Concerns and Expectations 

During the EIA’s development on October 2009, several concerns and expectations were expressed, 

which were considered by the EIA. 

Within the urban area, the following concerns were identified: 

Employment. Mainly regarding job opportunities for the Celendin population. 

Social and environmental impact management. In particular on impacts caused by the construction of 

tailing dams. 

Hydric resource management. 

Within the rural area, the following concerns were identified: 

Conga project’s benefits for the towns within the area of influence. 

Local employment policy, regarding employment preference within the area of influence and nonqualified 

workforce training. 

Social support for families that sold land to the Conga project. 

Mine closure. 

Answers to these concerns were: 

Employment: “the company has designed a local work and training program, and information on 

positions available and required skills will be promptly communicated. 



9-12

Conga project’s benefit for local town of surrounding areas: “Through its social management plan, 

Conga project includes five guidelines as per the baseline’s results, prioritizing the projects within the 

direct area of influence”. 

Social and environmental impact management: “the EIA has identified potential environmental and 

social impacts, and a mitigation plan has been designed to avoid negative impacts on the environment 

and people.” 

Regarding mine closure: “project operation guarantees closure activities insure the physical and 

chemical stability of facilities built during the project. It also includes the social sustainability achieved 

during project’s operation, i.e., we expect that the communities will be empowered and able to develop 

their own skills to insure sustainability of their living standards by the project’s closure.” 

The communities actively participated in the resolution of doubts, concerns, and inquiries resolution 

process during the November 2009 urban workshops. Systematization of this information is progress 

(Q&A). 

Information meetings were held in the rural areas to deliver information that will be later used as a 

framework to receive baseline report and the environmental evaluation assessment’s civic engagement 

process results. 

Additional activities: Information meeting “Project and new mining industry status” 

To report project information clearly and effectively, the first set of meetings was held between the 

months of April and November 2007. Information on the “New Mining Industry” topic was provided which 

involved doing a presentation on the advantages of a socially and environmentally responsible mining 

activity as an economic growth and social development alternative at local, regional and national level 

from taxes generated by the mining activity and specific projects that may be developed by the Conga 

project in a joint effort with local people. 

A total of 21 informative meetings were held, with the participation of 559 participants. The meetings took 

place in the following towns: 

Chart 9.14 

Information meeting: Project and new mining industry status 

N o Town Date 

Number of 

participants 

1 Namococha April 9, 2007 19 

2 Jadibamba Bajo September 5, 2007 22 

3 Quengorío Alto September 6, 2007 24 

4 Quengorío Bajo September 19, 2007 19 

5 Santa Rosa Huasmín September 20, 2007 42 

6 Huasiyuc Jadibamba October 2, 2007 23 

7 Alto No.8 September 26, 2007 15 

8 Porvenir de Huasmín September 25, 2007 20 

9 San José de Pampa verde September 27, 2007 25 

10 Santa Rosa de Huasmín November 14, 2007 16 

11 Hierbabuena Chica September 14, 2007 16 

12 San Juan de Hierbabuena September 13, 2007 14 

13 Quinuapampa September 12, 2007 25 

14 El Valle September 11, 2007 24 

15 Agua Blanca September 18, 2007 45 

16 Chugurmayo September 19, 2007 43 

17 Cruzpampa-Yanacolpa September 15, 2007 70 



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18 El Tingo September 20, 2007 37 

19 Alto No.8 September 26, 2007 15 

20 El Porvenir de Huasmín September 25, 2007 20 

21 San José de Pampa verde September 27, 2007 25 


Source: MYSRL 

Additional activities: Information meeting “Project Status” 

In the context of social responsibility and community commitment policy, 94 information meetings were 

held between March 2007 and July 2008. 

A total of 94 meetings were held with people from urban and rural-urban areas to provide information on 

the Conga project’s status. These meeting were aimed at members of the Celendin provincial council, 

members of Huasmin and Sorochucho local governments, sectorial officials, businessmen, students, 

teachers, community based organizations, community advisory boards, professionals, opinion leaders, 

churches, celebrities, local media, lieutenant governors. A total of three thousand fifty one (3251) people 

participated. 

Additional activities: Environmental legislation course 

In September 2008, an Environmental Legislation course was held in 4 locations, with the support of 

INNOVAPUC and the Peru Catholic University training center. The course was aimed at authority 

officials, community based organizations, teachers, students, opinion leaders and public in general. 

Focus was on the Celendin population living in Lima, due to its positive direct influence on the city of 

Celendin. 

Chart 9.15 

Environmental Legislation Course 

N o Town 

Number of 

participants 

1 Course at La Encañada, general public 30 

2 Course at Celendin, general public 200 

3 Course at Huasmín, general public 30 

4 Course at Celendin for community residing in 59 

Lima (Celendin Association) Total of participants 319 

Source: MYSRL 

Additional activities: Hydrology Course 

During September 2008, a course on hydrology with a theory-practical approach was held by engineers 

Alonso Vidal and Sandro Ludeña from the Water Management Consultants (WMC), at the La Encañada 

and Huasmin districts and in the city of Celendin, aimed at all audiences and environmental engineering 

students from the Cajamarca National University at the Celendin campus. 

Chart 9.16 

Hydrology Course 

N o Town 

Number of 

participants 

1 Course at La Encañada, general public 26 

2 Course at Celendin , general public 200 

3 Course at Huasmín, general public 30 

4 

Course for Environmental Engineering Department’s 

Cajamarca National University (UNC), Celendin campus 

students, 

80 



9-14

Source: MYSRL 


Similar to the legislation course, the community expressed their concerns, questions and demands about 

the Conga project which are included in the following chart: 

Chart 9.17 

People’s questions and concerns recorded during environmental 

Legislation and hydrology courses 

N o Description Classification Frequency 

1 Municipal landscape conservation program within the Conga 

project area. 

Question Low 

2 How to apply the Precaution principle to the landscape issue in 

the La Encañada area. 

Question Low 

3 District government resources to create protected areas. Question Low 

4 Tools to generate Social 

environmental resources use. 

licenses as a response to 

Question Media 

5 Elements within the Conga project for environmental care, lakes, 

and wildlife. 

Question Media 

6 Criteria to assess areas in which new construction will be built 

and minimum time required to measure rainwater levels to 

guarantee new constructions. 

Demand Low 

7 Mining industry pollution sources in surface water. Question High 

8 Project measures to avoid water pollution. Question High 

9 Penalties to officials and people that manipulate the population 

under the guise of environmental care. 

Question Low 

Source: MYSRL 

Additional activities: Workshop with former owners 

A meeting at La Encañada was held with 39 former owners of the areas affected by the project’s 

development to collect their perception on their current life and social vulnerability conditions, as well as 

to communicate the progress of the social baseline, receive their suggestions and opinions regarding land 

impact management and social programs to be implemented in the future. This engagement process 

was held on December 7, 2009. 

Chart 9.18 

Origin of former owners 

Nº Origin 

Number of 

participants 

1 Agua Blanca 12 

2 San Nicolás 10 

3 Quengorío Alto 5 

4 Cruzpampa 4 

5 El Porvenir 3 

6 Uñigán Pululo 2 

7 Lagunas de Combayo 1 

8 El Tingo 1 

9 Alforjacocha 1 


Source: MYSRL 



9-15

Former owners represent a high vulnerability group for the Conga project, hence the importance of 

organizing a workshop with them. These families sold their land to favor a mining industry development 

within the area; therefore the project has a special responsibility towards them. 

9.1.4 Proposed participation mechanisms to be implemented during EIA development proposal 

During the EIA’s evaluation, the Conga project will implement civic engagement tools to share information 

on EIA results, potential impacts and mitigation measures, community relations plan and any other 

concern that the communities may have about the project that needs to be resolved. In addition, 

partnerships and agreements will be pursued with the stakeholders of the Project’s direct area of 

influence. 

9.1.5 Mandatory tools 

The civic engagement mandatory tools are aimed at audiences within the project’s direct area of influence 

(DAI) and its officials, since they are the receptors of the project’s main impacts. It is worth mentioning 

that this process does not exclude other towns within the indirect area of influence. 

The DAI is comprised of 11 towns in the Sorochuco, La Encañada and Huasmín districts, within the 

project’s site and as described in the following chart: 

Chart 9.19 

Conga project’s direct area of influence (DAI) 

N° Town District 

1 Agua Blanca Sorochuco 

2 Chugurmayo Sorochuco 

3 El Porvenir de la Encañada La Encañada 

4 Huasiyuc Jadibamba Huasmín 

5 Lagunas de Combayo La Encañada 

6 Namococha Huasmín 

7 Piedra Redonda Amaro Huasmín 

8 Quengorío Alto Huasmín 

9 Quengorío Bajo Huasmín 

10 San Nicolás La Encañada 

11 Santa Rosa de Huasmín Huasmín 

Source: MYSRL 

9.1.6 Supplementary tools 

Civic engagement supplementary tools consist of people’s broad involvement within the project’s direct 

and indirect area of influence, including their representatives and related institutions. 

In this context, meetings were held with representatives of every town within the project’s DAI and AII. 

Conga project’s area of indirect influence (AII) is comprised of 21 towns in the Sorochuco, La Encañada 

and Huasmin districts that in turn belong to the Conga project’s Specific Appraisal Area (AEE), in which 

project’s development will have no impact. The following chart includes a listing of the AII’s rural towns: 

Chart 9.20 

Conga project’s indirect area of influence (AII) 


1 Alto N° 8 Huasmín 

2 Bajo Coñicorgue Huasmín 



9-16


3 Chilac N° 8 Huasmín 

4 Cruzpampa Sorochuco 

5 El Alumbre Huasmín 

6 El Lirio Huasmín 

7 El Tingo Sorochuco 

8 El Valle La Encañada 

9 Faro Bajo Sorochuco 

10 Huangashanga Huasmín 

11 Jadibamba Baja Huasmín 

12 Jerez - Shihuat Huasmín 

13 La Chorrera Sorochuco 

14 Quinuapampa La Encañada 

15 San José de Pampa Verde Huasmín 

16 San Juan de Hierba Buena La Encañada 

17 Shanipata Huasmín 

18 Cuadrocucho Sorochuco 

19 Uñigán Lirio Sorochuco 

20 Uñigán Pululo Sorochuco 

21 Yerba Buena Chica La Encañada 

Source: MYSRL 

The Conga project’s urban indirect area of influence (urban AII) is comprised of three districts in which the 

“Acumulación Minas Conga” mine claim is located and where the Conga project will be developed: La 

Encañada, Huasmin and Sorochuco and the jurisdiction within the Cajamarca and Celendin provinces. In 

such places, mandatory and complementary tools have been implemented, as described further in this 

document. 

Chart 9.21 

Conga project’s urban indirect area of influence 

N° District 

1 Sorochuco district 

2 Huasmín district 

3 La Encañada district 

4 Celendín province 

5 Cajamarca province 

Source: MYSRL 


During EIA development stage, the Conga project will implement civic participative tools to share 

information on EIA results, potential impacts and mitigation measures, community relations plan and any 

other concern about the project that the community may have that needs to be resolved. In addition, 

partnerships and agreements will be pursued with the Project’s stakeholders from the area of direct 

influence. 

9.2.1 General Objective 

Develop a civic engagement process within the framework provided by M.R. N° 304-2008-MEM/DM: to 

generate communication canals, socializing and providing clear, transparent and prompt information. 



9-17

9.2.2 Specific Objectives 

Develop a relationship of trust between the Conga project’s mining title-holder and local people through 

the dissemination of relevant and suitable information 

Promote an inclusive engagement process that respects cultural diversity and equal treatment and that 

integrates members from rural and urban areas connected to the project. 

Generate a process of continuous interaction among concerned parties, in order to canal different 

opinions on the project, under the leadership and facilitation of the Ministry of Energy and Mines. 

Establish a process to promote civic surveillance tools, as per the Civic Engagement Regulations, 

openly and with the contributions from the communities, local, regional and national governments, and 

the mining title-holder. 

Identify people’s concerns, opinions, and recommendations so as to include them and strengthen the 

Conga project management and the decision-making process. 

9.2.3 Strategy: Inclusive Process 

The main strategy that articulates every action within the CEP and throughout the project’s execution is to 

insure an “inclusive and open process”, thus contributing to the achievement of the Conga project’s 

mission, which is to generate an appropriate communication canal among the mining title-holder, State 

institutions and involved citizens under a mutual acknowledgment of civil rights and obligations. 

CEP values a diversity of perspectives and acknowledges the interest of rural and urban citizens of being 

informed on social and economic development processes that affect their community and the society in 

general. CEP also values civic participation expressed through opinion and suggestions. 

Civic engagement must strengthen management and decision-making processes of the private sector 

and public institutions to become an inclusive process that nurtures civic culture and safeguards the 

Country’s democratic system. 

9.2.4 Citizen participation tools to be implemented during EIA’s evaluation stage 

In addition to the implementation of specific civic engagement tools during EIA development, the following 

is a set of previously implemented tools will be maintained to consolidate the communication canal that 

was created in previous stages: 

Chart 9.22 

Engagement tools to maintain during EIA’s evaluation stage 

Nº Engagement Tool 

1 Surveys, interviews and focal groups 

2 Guided visits to the area or project’s facilities 

3 Use of traditional tools 

4 Participative environmental monitoring and surveillance 

Source: MYSRL 

The “Workshop with former owners” activity will continue. 

The civic engagement tools to be implemented during EIA evaluation stage are: 

9.2.4.1 Informative material distribution 

Includes written, audio and audiovisual material, etc. to illustrate and communicate the project’s current or 

under execution environmental management activities, environmental measures. The material must be 

prepared in a simple, colloquial language and using a language that is understood by most of the involved 

community. (M.R. 304-2008- MEM/DM, Article 2, section 2.4). 



9-18

This information material will reinforce the information delivered during the community workshops and 

communicate information to the towns within the Conga project’s area of influence. 

The following are the specific objectives to prepare informative material: 

Provide information on the project’s development in simple language. 

Inform about the company’s compliance with its obligations and commitments. 

The material will be prepared in Spanish, in simple and informal language, and will include information on 

current or proposed project activities, environmental management measures, community involvement 

during baseline development activities, and other relevant items. It will also consider the following: 

Use of local images and idiomatic expressions to illustrate certain aspects of the project in a practical 

and simple manner. 

Legal relevance: systematization and communication capabilities on Environmental Impact 

Assessments’ legal regulations. 

Adaptability: ability to appeal to different social and cultural contexts, and information relevance 

provided to stakeholders. 

Replication: capacity to disseminate information through information material and replicate workshops 

or other information dissemination tools. 

A set of information bulletins will be developed including the following subjects: 

Environmental baseline. 

Social baseline. 

Water resource responsibility. 

Community relations plan. 

Environmental and social management plan and participative monitoring. 

9.2.4.2 Public hearing 

A Public Hearing constitutes a participative gathering the stakeholders within the Conga project’s area of 

influence. In this hearing, which will be held on March 31, 2010 in the San Nicolas town, the consulting 

company will present the EIA results for the Conga project pre-construction, construction, operation and 

closing stages. 

San Nicolas is a one of the most important towns for the project. The project has developed a long term 

relationship with villagers that have experienced several issues and currently we are able to state that we 

have a sound relationship with high expectations regarding their participation in this process. 

San Nicolas provides the following advantages: 

Adequate access roads that allow an easy access to 11 towns form the Conga project’s direct area of 

influence to the San Nicolas town. 

The longest road trip from the farthest town to San Nicolas takes two hours maximum. 

San Nicolas is one of the main towns within the DAI area due to the project facilities’ site and it is a 

confluence point between the areas of influence’s towns and the city of Cajamarca as well. 

In addition, and to secure the DAI and AII communities’ attendance to the public hearing, the following 

actions will be pursued: 

Transportation. Coordination with rural and urban officials (from DAI and AII) to transport participants, 

from rural communities (11 towns) and urban centers (Sorochuco, Huasmin and La Encañada) to the 

workshops. A vehicle for round trip transportation will be provided. 



9-19

Prior to the public hearing, rural and urban meetings will be held to deliver information about the 

process. These actions will be organized by the Conga project’s community relations department for 

rural areas and the communications and institutional relations department for urban areas, respectively. 

A tailored follow-up immediately after formal notice by the authority will be performed to reinforce this 

notice until the day of the event. Follow-up activities were lead by the Conga project’s community 

relations and communications and institutional relations departments unit. 

A tent with an approximate capacity of 600 people will be installed on a site of easy access in San 

Nicolas that includes one main access and three emergency exits. 

For safety purposes, the project will coordinate the event with San Nicolas’ Rural Surveillance teams 

and the National Police of Peru. 

The following AID and AII authorities invited to the hearing are included in the following chart: 

Chart 9.23 

DAI authorities 

Place Last name Name Position 

Alaya Izquierdo Alejandro Lieutenant Governor 

Agua Blanca Ayala Rodriguez Justidiano President of Rural Surveillance teams 

Rodríguez Chávez Alfredo Municipal Agent 

Llanos Julón Maximino Municipal Agent 

Chugurmayo García Chávez Juan President of Rural Surveillance teams 

Llanos Cortez Lorenzo Lieutenant Governor 

Alvarado Huaman Segundo Miguel Lieutenant Governor 

El Porvenir Cortez Tacilla Ernesto Municipal Agent 

Mantilla Huamán Manuel President of Rural Surveillance teams 

Molocho Cruzado Leoncio Municipal Agent 

Huasiyuc - 

Cruzado Huamán Salomon Governor Lieutenant 

Jadibamba Cruzado Lara Marcos President of Rural Surveillance teams 

Eugenio Condor Medider SAP president 

Huaman Tocas Alejandro Municipal Agent 

Soto Tasilla Augusto President of Rural Surveillance teams 

Garay Portal Wilser President of Rural Surveillance teams 

Namococha Huamán Idrogo Wilder Municipal Agent 

Zavaleta Garay Saúl Lieutenant Governor 

Piedra Redonda El 

Amaro 

Huayac Huamán 

Llamoctanta Cruzado 

Tasilla Choroco 

Felipe 

Juan 

Raúl 

Municipal Agent 

Lieutenant Governor 

President of Rural Surveillance teams 

Muñoz Idrogo Oscar President of Rural Surveillance teams 

Quengorío Alto 

Jambo Ramos 

Jambo Diaz 

Jesus 

Walter 


Municipal Agent 

Idrogo Jambo Eber President of APAFA 

Choroco Díaz Jacinto Municipal Agent 

Garay Ramos Basilio Mayor 

Quengorío Bajo Valdiviza de la Cruz Jacinto President of Rural Surveillance teams 

Huayac Lara Santos Mayor Lieutenant 

Mejía Guayac Juan Lieutenant Governor 

San Nicolas 

Alaya Julca 

Araujo Sánchez 

César 

Héctor 





9-20

Place Last name Name Position 

Acuña Huaripata Wilson Municipal agent 

Estrada Saucedo Cesar Paúl Lieutenant Governor 

Santa Rosa de 

Huasmín 

Eugenio Condor 

Fernández 

Huaygua Lozano 

Pelayo 

Manuel Jorge 

Eduardo 

Mayor 

CP President of Rural Surveillance teams 


Source: MYSRL 

Orrillo Quispe Jorge Lieutenant Mayor 

Chart 9.24 

AII authorities 

Region Province District Name Level of Authority 

José Eloy Rodríguez Araujo Governor 

Juan De Dios Tello Villanueva Mayor 

César Napoleón Jáuregui Barboza 

Manolo Angulo Rabanal 

Julio OswaldoSilva Muñoz 

Lieutenant Mayor 

Celendín Rosario Horna Díaz 

Ibel Oyarce Abanto 

Mariela Rodríguez Ocampo 

Wilmer Solano Oyarce 

Lucila Valdivia Mestanza de Rabanal 

Daniel Chávez Delgado 

Councilmen 

Wilson Malaver Acuña Governor 

Celendín 

José Ermitaño Marín Rojas Mayor 

Saúl Cruzado Guevara Lieutenant Mayor 

Huasmín César Mejía Campos 

Cajamarca 

Diógenes Díaz Goycochea 

Irma Esther Vásquez Saldaña 

Manuel Infante Mendoza 

Councilmen 

Wilder Ortíz Rodríguez Governor 

Marcial Villanueva Izquierdo Mayor 

Juan Carlos Vargas Zambrano Lieutenant Mayor 

Sorochuco Carmen Violeta Chávez Villena 

Samuel Briones Rodríguez 

Santos Carlos Quiliche Ayala 

Eugenio Sánchez Arce 

Councilmen 

Miguel Hualtibamba Chinche Governor 

Lifoncio Vera Sánchez Mayor 

Cajamarca 

La 

Encañada 

Esther Linares Llico 

Wilser Alfonso Marín Aguilara 

Justo Julca Sánchez 

Raúl Llanos Sánchez 

Román Llanos Cortéz 

Mayor Lieutenant 

Councilmen 

Source: MYSRL 

The public hearing’s objective is to inform authorities, social and economic organization representatives, 

businessmen as well as public and private officials and the general public about the results of the Conga 



9-21

project’s environmental impact assessment. Moreover, its purpose is to establish communication tools to 

collect and resolve the communities’ questions and opinions about the EIA. 

9.2.4.3 Contributions, comments and observations submitted to the authority 

During EIA development, every contribution, comment and observation, gathered through the 

supplementary tools implementation, will be submitted to the authority, especially those identified during 

the public hearing. 

9.2.4.4 Permanent information offices 

The permanent information office has been created with the purpose of disseminating relevant EIA and 

project information, canal people and stakeholders’ observations and opinions about the project and civic 

engagement tools as well as insuring an effective reply to information requests. 

Consequently and through this office, the project’s activities will be open and transparent to the 

stakeholders and the general public. In addition, it is expected that stakeholders participate in this 

continuous information and consultation process, and validate and follow-up the project’s community 

development and impact mitigation programs. 

This office is the responsibility of the Conga project External Affairs Management at Minera Yanacocha. 

Therefore, during the Project’s evaluation stage, all information will be delivered via bulletins available at 

the project’s offices to promote understanding and knowledge about the mining project scope and the 

amendment report. Hence, the EIA process, project location and other information will be available in a 

didactic and simple format. During project’s execution, this office will assume a more active role, as 

described in section 3.4.4.2. 

This office will be opened from Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 6:00pm, with a professional in 

charge. 

Office locations are as follows: 

Celendín: Jr. Pardo Nº 591, Celendín. Phone 076 555005. 

Huasmín: Corner Jr. Celendín con Jr. Tarapaca, Huasmín. 

Sorochuco: Jr. Junín Nº 67, Sorochuco. 

Professionals in charge of the permanent information office will have adequate knowledge on current 

local affairs and existing civic engagement tools in the mining sub sector. They must also generate 

synergies with the DAI and AII communities and have expertise in the community relations field. They 

must have an academic background on social sciences or communications and will be trained on the 

Conga project’s characteristics and implications. 

Information collection tools are: 

Record forns including information on people’s expectations and concerns as well as their information 

requirements will be created. 

Minera Yanacocha L.L.R. has a data processing system that identifies people’s information 

requirements and complaints, including a follow up process. This system could be transferred to the 

Conga project. 

Personalized service for every situation. 

Where pertinent, information about specific issues will be disseminated throughout the community, in 

compliance with the transparent information management policy. 

After the information communication process or resolving a complaint, the project will do a follow up to 

ease people’s expectations. 



9-22

Advantages, access: the project will evaluate the option of organizing periodic visits to the project (twice 

a month in the DAI and AIII project areas to identify lack of information, complaints, or claims or 

situations about the project’s progress status). 

Additionally and within the duties of the permanent information office, the program “Jueves de diálogo” 

(Thursday Discussions) is created to promote an interaction with the community at the community of 

Celedin. The socialization information process for the Conga project will continue to be performed under 

this format. Main topics to be developed include the Conga project Environmental Impact Management 

Plan and Social Management Plan. 

9.2.5 Funding 

Civic engagement tools for the mining project will be funded by the mining company, insure effective 

compliance of same. 

9.3 Engagement tools to develop during the execution of the mining project proposal 

During the development and operation stages, the project will provide information about programs and 

activities involving the population, such as citizen monitors, work opportunities, and community 

development progress and social environmental management plans. Proposed civic engagement tools 

are aimed to consolidate the communities’ confidence during the Conga project’s development. 

9.3.1 General objective 

Consolidate the civic engagement process within the framework established by the M.R. 

N° 304-2008-MEM/DM: generate interaction canals, to socialize and release the information in a clear 

and suitable manner, and gather local people’s perception and simultaneously evaluate the 

aforementioned implemented tools. 

9.3.2 Specific objectives 

Consolidate a relationship of trust between the Conga project mining title-holder and local leaders 

through the supply of relevant and prompt information. 

Promote an inclusive and participative process that involves the project’s rural and urban leaders within 

the project’s rural and urban surroundings and respects cultural diversity. 

Generate a process of continuous interaction among concerned parties, in order to canal different 

opinions on the project, under the leadership and guidance of the Ministry of Energy and Mines. 

Consolidate processes that promote civic engagement tools included in the civic engagement 

regulation, executed in an open manner and involving the local communities, national, regional and 

local government instances, and mining title-holder. 

Reinforce the Conga project management and the decision-making processes through the identification 

and inclusion of the communities’ concerns, opinions and suggestions. 

9.3.3 Strategy: Inclusive process 

The main strategy that articulates every action within the CEP and throughout the project’s execution is to 

insure an “inclusive and transparent process”, thus contributing to the achievement of the Conga project’s 

mission, which is to generate an appropriate environment for a dialogue between the mining title-holder, 

State institutions and involved communities under a mutual acknowledgment of civil rights and 

obligations. 

The Citizen Participation Program values a diversity of perspectives and recognizes the interest of rural 

and urban citizens in being informed about social and economic development processes that affect their 

community and the society in general and contribute opinions and suggestions. 

Civic engagement must strengthen management and decision-making processes in the private sector as 

well as in public institutions to become an inclusive process that nourishes civic culture and preserves the 

Country’s democratic system. 



9-23

9.3.4 Civic engagement tools to be implemented during mining project’s execution 

9.3.4.1 Guided visit of the area or project facilities 

Specialized staff appointed by the mining title-holder or the mining title-holder himself are in charge of 

guided visits. These are organized through the Conga project community relations unit of the external 

affairs department, to show the environmental study’s project site characteristics, prevention, control, and 

mitigations measures applied, in the event that title holder has already developed previous projects, and 

inform on the mitigation, control and prevention measures implemented in previous projects and any 

other aspect relevant to the civic engagement process (M.R. 304-2008- MEM/DM, Article 2, section 2.5). 

Guided visits to the areas where the Conga project will be developed are considered important so the 

communities can observe works being performed taking into consideration highest environmental 

standards. This will also allow clarifying any concerns that may arise in the communities during the 


Initially, visits are scheduled on a monthly basis; their schedule may start from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

approximately. However, depending on expectations and demand, additional visits may be organized. 

Prior to starting the guided visit, guests receive an introduction in clear language using a scale model of 

the Conga project illustrating site locations of facilities that will be in the area. 

Guided visits will be performed in groups of 20 people in a bus arranged by the company. 

The facilitator will keep a record of guests, including their expectations and concerns after the visit, and 

will also do a survey on their perceptions, advantages and areas that need improvement. Guests will 

answer the anonymous survey at the end of the tour. The survey will be processed on a monthly basis 

and will provide: 

Identification of topics of interest and concerns related to the Conga project. 

Clarify any concerns about the Conga project, focusing on environmental, social and construction 

standards. 

Improve the visitor process. 

9.3.4.2 Participatory environmental monitoring and surveillance 

MYSRL developed the participative environmental and social monitoring program (PMPAS in Spanish), to 

be applied in the project’s area of direct influence within the project’s generating participative 

environmental monitoring and surveillance tool framework, consisting of an outlining process that will 

contribute to tools for the exchange of opinions and ideas between the communities, the company and 

the State under transparency, democracy and trust criteria during all stages of the project (exploration, 

construction, operation, and closure). In addition, the program considers the generation of positive 

synergies through an informed participation and reinforced local skills through the identification and 

training of local monitors (in progress). Consequently, the program’s objective is to promote confidence 

and credibility within the Conga project’s social environment by being transparent about the project’s 

social and environmental activities throughout its stages. 

The program’s specific goals are: 

Provide prompt and suitable information to the decision-makers and key actors. 

Strengthen local skills through community monitoring activities to favor an effective and informed 

participation. 

Generate a dialogue, information, and opinion exchange tool between the community and the company. 

Anticipate possible social conflicts. 

Contribute to generate an environment of trust between all involved actors within the Conga project’s 

social environment. 



9-24

Legitimate the private sector as a development agent within the project’s area of influence. 

Furthermore, this is a process contained within the framework of MYSRL corporate social responsibility 

and within the general framework of sustainable local development for the Conga area of influence. 

Initially, the project will call a community meeting in order to inform the local people on the PMPAS and 

reach an agreement about the appointment of community monitors. They will be the legitimate liaison 

between the company and the community and their main functions will be: 

Check effective and opportune compliance with the social commitments included in the EIA. 

Verify the company’s adequate implementation of environmental measures. 

Communicate the results of the monitoring process to the communities and concerned institutions and 

collect opinions and suggestions. 

The PMPAS will also have available external independent observers. Monitors will be rotated every six 

months. 

Moreover, information collection instruments, tools, and reports on the evolution of the plan’s indicators 

will be developed through the development and implementation of a PAMPAS strategic planning. 

Previous to its final implementation, a pilot test will be performed to assess and adjust the PMPAS before 

its final commissioning. 

Therefore, the PMPAS will include the following components: 

Social investment component: projects that have been jointly agreed will be defined, and during a 

second stage, a specific monitoring plan for selected projects will be developed. 

Social and environmental management plan component: a specific social and environmental monitoring 

plan for selected projects will be defined. 

Civic engagement component: communication canals will be created based on the requirements of 

every involved agent for the Conga project’s activities and the CMP will act as the process’ canaling 

agent. 

Communication component: gather and communicate the information collected during PMPAS’ 

application to facilitate a clear and proper information flow regarding operational, social-environmental 

practices throughout every stage of the Project. 

Consequently, PMPAS’ implementation will contribute to the development of a credible and trust 

relationship between the communities and the company during the project’s development based on a 

transparent monitoring of environmental and social technical issues throughout its stages. 

9.3.5 Funding 

The mining project’s civic engagement tools will be funded by the mining company through its own 

resources, thus insuring an effective compliance of same. 

9.4 CEP Implementation schedule Chart 9.25 

CEP Implementation Schedule 

N 

º 

1 

Stage 

Engagement 

tools to be 

developed 

during EIA 

assessment 

Civic Engagement 

Tool 

Distribution of 

EIA 

Assessment 

Construction Operation Closure 

1 informative 

material 

2010 2011 through 2030 

2 

Public hearing March 31, 

2010 

- - - 



9-25

2 

proposal 

Engagement 

tools to develop 

during the 

mining project’s 

execution 

proposal 

Presentation of 

contributions, 

3 

comments, and 

observations 

4 Permanent 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

1 

information office 

Workshop with 

former owners 

(additional 

activities) 

Focus groups 

(additional 

activities) 

Guided visits to 

project areas or 

facilities (Additional 

activities) 

Use of traditional 

tools/community 

assemblies 

(additional 

activities) 

Community 

monitors education 

and training 

(additional 

activities) 

Guided visits to the 

project’s areas or 

facilities 

Monitoring and 

participative 

2 

environmental 

monitoring 

3 Permanent 

information offices 

April 2010 - - - 

2010 to 2011 



9-26 

- - - 

- - - 

- - - 

- - - 

- - - 

- - - 

- 2011 through 2013 

- 2011 to 2030 

- 2011 to 2030 

2014 

through 

2030

Section 10.0 - Conceptual closure plan 


The mining title-holder will act according to Law 28090 and amendment 28234, that establish the 

obligations and procedures for the development, presentation, and execution of a Mine Closure Plan and 

the constitution of subsequent financial guarantees. Furthermore, the regulations contained in the Mine 

Closure Act (S.D. Nº 033-2005-EM) establish the obligation to develop a conceptual mine closure plan 

during the feasibility evaluation stage. This plan should be included in the mining project Environmental 

Impact Assessment. In addition, this conceptual mine closure plan is mandatory for every mining titleholder 

with an ongoing, starting or restarting project, in a maximum term of one year as of the EIA 

approval. The Mine Closure Plan at the feasibility stage will include rehabilitation measures, including 

funding, as well as verification and supervision techniques to be applied during the Conga Project 

operation, final closure and post-closure stages. In addition, it will include the amount and requested 

financial guarantee constitution plan. 

The present conceptual closure plan outlines the general closure programs for the main Conga Project 

facilities and includes a description of closure activities to be carried out during and after operations. This 

section was prepared as per the specifications included in the Mine Closure Plan Preparation and Review 

Guide (MEM, 2006). 

The Conga Project is located in the La Encañada, Huasmin and Sorochuco districts, in the Celendin and 

Cajamarca provinces, Cajamarca region. The project will be developed in the Alto Chirimayo, Toromacho 

and Chugurmayo basins and the Chailhuagon and Alto Jadibamba rivers basins. All of them converge 

into Marañon River, an affluent to the Amazon which empties into the Atlantic Ocean. 

10.1.1 Closure objectives 

The closure shall guarantee the sustainability of the restored facilities in compliance with the established 

objectives. The main purpose of the closure plan is to ensure that every area in which mining and 

processing activities have taken place is restored and protects human health and environment. As a 

result and where possible, the soil will be restored to environmentally compatible conditions. 

Mine closure will be undertaken with the following objectives: 

Ensure safe conditions in the project areas and activities in order to protect the environment and avoid 

accidents. 

Ensure that the closed and restored facilities become compatible in usage with the adjoining areas. 

Minimize the effects on biologic diversity within the project’s area, preserving wildlife habitats where 

applicable. 

In addition, specific and standardized criteria will be applied for the facilities and infrastructure, described 

as follows: 

Ensure long term physical and chemical stability for the remaining facilities (i.e., pits, clearing material 

and tailings deposits). 

Erosion control through appropriate drainage structures that support slope stability. 

Protect water quality, and where possible, use terrain in harmony with the environment. 

Limit the access to the facilities, which may become dangerous after closure (pits especially). 

Dismantle industrial and auxiliary facilities (processing, management and maintenance areas, offices 

and campsite). 

Upon approval, transfer to local authorities (local, regional, or national) all infrastructure which may be 

useful for the local people. 

Identify community requirements, skills, and weaknesses in order to implement sustainable 

development programs. 



10-1

10.1.2 Criteria for closure 

MYSRL considers that once the closure activities have been completed, the site may remain in an active 

care status (long term protection). However, it is anticipated that most of the project elements will require 

the implementation of passive care measures in order to fulfill the closure objectives. 

10.2 Facilities included in the closure activities 

The Conga Project facilities will be designed taking into consideration closure and rehabilitation as final 

objectives. Each design will be improved to contribute to the facility’s final closure and rehabilitation. 

As established in the Project Description (Chapter 4), this project considers the following facilities: 


Pits (Perol and Chailhuagón) 

Waste rock storage facilities (Perol and Chailhuagón) 


Hauling roads 


ROM Pad 

Primary crusher circuit 

Crushed material hauling system 

Thick material deposit 


Tailings facilities 


Transport system and tailings disposal 



Reservoirs 


Sediment pools 


Derivation structures 

Borrow areas 



Management and maintenance infrastructure 


Special products handling infrastructure 

Other operational infrastructure 

10.3 Closure activities description 

In order to execute the Conga Project closure, MYSRL contemplates the participation of local staff and 

contractors with broad experience in rehabilitation programs executed at the Yanacocha complex and 

during the Conga Project exploration stage closure. 

As per the specifications in the Regulations for Mine Closure for the Conceptual Mine Closure Plan, this 

document contains a description of closure activities to be implemented during construction, operation, 

and final closure stages, in order to fulfill the aforementioned objectives. 



10-2

Given the nature of this plan, it will be presented at the feasibility level within the first year of the Conga 

Project EIA approval. The approved Closure Plan will be periodically updated during project execution 

and must include information on new conditions in the area of influence and new regulations. 

10.3.1 Closure activities during construction stage 

Closure activities will be progressively executed, considering that certain additional activities, such as the 

installation of conveyor belts and surface pipes for tailings and water transportation, constitute a lineal 

work which can be carried out in parallel to restoring and cleaning tasks. 

The closure activities outlined for the construction stage are related to the dismantling and demobilization 

of the temporary infrastructure, erosion and sediment control measures, land shape restoration, and 

revegetation of affected areas. 

Dismantling and demobilization of temporary infrastructure refers to structures such as warehouses and 

work shops. Solid waste resulting from these actions will be handled according to the current legislation 

and managed by an external solid waste management company duly registered with the Health 

Environment General Directorate – DIGESA (in case of hazardous waste). 

In general, the Yanacocha complex facilities will be used for waste disposal to reduce associated risks as 

the Conga Project area is rather distant. 

After the machinery and equipment used in the construction of infrastructure and quarries have been 

removed, the altered surfaces will be reshaped into their original pre-construction condition by moving soil 

with consideration of the natural slope angle. 

Initial topographic profiles, surface drainage patterns and ground surface layer and vegetation coat (if 

applicable) will be restored, where possible, within the affected areas. If topography can not be restored, 

physically stable profiles will be designed to resist an earthquake of a 500 years return period. The 

guidelines to fulfill the rehabilitation process of both areas are described next: 

10.3.1.1 Original topographic profiles restoration 

Leveling off the affected areas will reduce the environmental and visual impact in the project’s area. 

Restoration of the topographic profile will restore land relief, a characteristic that is compatible with the 

environment’s topography, taking into account the following measures: 

The terrain will be leveled in order to preserve the topography that existed prior to construction as far as 

nature and local conditions allow this. 

Earthworks produced material will be stored in topsoil stockpiles, located within close range of their 

origin. The collected soil will be used in the closure and restoration stages. Therefore soil heaps will 

not be stabilized in the collection centers. 

Every work area shall be left free from any solid or liquid waste (oil stains and combustable stain, etc.). 

Landscape rehabilitation included in the closure activities plan within the operation stage, will be limited to 

ground stabilization in the areas in which the structures, facilities and temporary accesses have been 

removed. The stabilization measures shall include: selective excavations (earthworks) and revegetation. 

Ground stabilization in non altered terrains will be executed only if a geological fault is detected or the 

water flow patterns contribute to this instability. 

The construction closure stage also includes temporary measures for erosion control. These measures 

are detailed in the Management Plan (Section 6), and must be implemented until the permanent erosion 

control measures enter into effect or upon completion of the restoration plan during the operation closure 

stage. 



10-3

10.3.1.2 Surface drainage patterns restoration 

This activity comprises the rearrangement of the natural terrain drainage, relating to the rerouting of the 

Alto Jadibamba River as a consequence of the construction of the upper and lower reservoirs in this 

basin. It also includes drainage patterns restoration in the alluvium quarries. 

The following measures must be taken into consideration in order to guarantee the drainage patterns 

restoration in the Alto Jadibamba River. 

In order to avoid impact in the adjoining areas, the temporary access ramps will be accurately defined 

and outlined. 

Water streams will be deviated if necessary in order to avoid damage to waterways and nearby 

habitats. In addition, sediment units will be installed to alleviate the presence of suspended solids and 

muddy water. 

Once the reservoir construction is completed and the alluvial material has been extracted, the river 

shorelines will be restored using protection structures such as gabions and rock-fill dams, constructed 

as per engineering requirements. 

Temporary structures for flow deviation will be installed. These structures must be excavated apart 

from the stream flow, beginning at the derivation canal’s end and increasingly moving upstream to 

reduce sediment production. All discharge flows will be directed initially to a sediment pool before being 

released. Upon completion of the derivation works, the excavated canal must be filled and stabilized. 

At the same time, the quarries area located within the streams will be duly reshaped after their 

exploitation to avoid more alterations to the natural drainage. 

Finally, the area will be replanted in order to restore the terrain affected by temporary works of 

infrastructure construction. According to the project’s environmental baseline evaluation results (Section 

3), land is used mainly for grazing. Therefore, reforestation plan objectives will mainly focus on the rough 

grassland and highland grass areas, where topographic and altitude conditions are adequate. 

Soil for revegetation may come from the project’s soil mounds, as described in Appendix 4.3. 

Affected areas will be planted with native flora. However, certain fast-growing foreign species will be 

possibly planted during the post-construction closure stage in order to cover the cleared areas to reduce 

water erosion damages and provide organic elements to the soil. This species will be non invasive 

herbaceous species resistant to high altitude conditions for one or two seasons until the native plants 

have recovered in the area. 

Forage species will be planted using the scattering technique. Native species will be transplanted from 

high density areas and will include roots or basal buds. Other seeding techniques will be implemented 

according to the species and land gradient. Furrows will be excavated in areas with steep gradients. It is 

recommended to excavate furrows across the gradient or using the quincunx pattern (plants are placed in 

parallel rows forming a triangle, one being placed at the middle of the plants in the next row). 

Also, plantation practices must be combined with ground stabilization and surface water management to 

ensure protection against water and wind erosion during early growing stages. Vegetation is the most 

common method for ground stabilization. 

Finally, restoration activities for construction affected areas will require maintenance and monitoring 

measures, especially for the sediment and erosion control structures. These measures are detailed in the 

Conga Project Sediment and Surface Water Management Plan (Appendix 4.2). 

10.3.2 Closure activities during operation stage 

During the operation stage the Conga Project temporary, on-going and final closure phases will be 

implemented. It is estimated that the project will have approximately 17 years of life. 



10-4

10.3.2.1 Temporary closure activities 

Temporary closure of the project may occur for operational and economic reasons or due to temporary 

project suspension decided by MYSRL or corresponding authorities. As for the Mine Closure Plan the 

suspension or stoppage stage, including deferrals, may exceed a three year period. 

In this case, a closure plan considering possible future operations in the site (as per S.D. Nº 033-2005- 

EM and amendment S.D. N° 035-2006-EM) is required. In consequence, temporary closure activities are 

aimed at safety and sanitary issues, physical and chemical stability, environmental management and 

social program implementation. Infrastructure dismantling is not contemplated. However, activities 

during this stage include waste disposal and management. Waste produced by cleaning the facilities, 

hazardous or non hazardous, will be dealt with according to the law. Non hazardous waste will be 

dumped at the Yanacocha complex landfill according to the Solid Waste Management Plan (Section 6.4), 

whereas the hazardous waste and toxic materials will be placed in a landfill outside the project’s area 

under the responsibility of an external Solid Waste Management Company (EPS-RS) duly registered with 

the DIGESA office. 

Furthermore, project water management activities will continue during this stage. 

The following activities will be developed in the event the project faces a temporary closure. The 

temporary restoring measures proposed for the Conga Project connected to the Perol and Chailhuagon 

pits physical and chemical stability, including the clearing material and tailings deposits are the same as 

the ones implemented in the closure stage. They are detailed in Section 10.3.2.3. 


If the Conga Project faces a temporary closure the water management measures will be the same as the 

ones implemented during the project’s operation and as detailed in Section 6.1.5 of the present EIA. 

It is important to mention that water in the reservoirs will supply the basins within the project’s area with 

mitigation flows as per the following scheme: 

Lower reservoir: to mitigate impacts in the Alto Jadibamba River basin 

Upper reservoir: main mitigation source for the Toromacho basin 

Perol reservoir: Provides mitigation flows in the Alto Chirimayo basin 

Chailhuagón reservoir: increases the lake capacity in order to supply the Chailhuagon river basin with 

mitigation flows. 

Revegetation 

According to the revegetation plan for the temporary closure stage, vulnerable areas will be temporarily 

covered with fast-growing species, in order to prevent erosion and sediment dragging. It is important to 

point out that, prior to revegetation, the land will be stabilized where necessary. 

As part of the project’s Environmental Management Plan (Section 6), MYSRL will carry out a continuous 

soil recovery and revegetation plan to be implemented in areas that have been affected by construction 

or operation activities. This plan will continue in the event of a temporary closure. 

Social programs 

In the event of a temporary closure of the project, the Community Relations Plan will continue to 

implement social investment. These actions, however, will focus on local skills training, especially for key 

players and institutions, foreseeing a possible future transfer of responsibilities. It is worth mentioning 

that the majority of development programs to be implemented throughout the project will involve state 

institutions and local organizations. This will contribute to sustainability and to future responsibility 

transfer. 



10-5

Furthermore, the Social Support to Land Acquisition Program will continue to implement impact 

management measures. However, certain work agreements will be terminated. In this case and in order 

to mitigate the impact, workers will be compensated for the time they have worked. In that respect, the 

different interest groups of the community within the area of influence will be informed through the 

corresponding communication media. Furthermore, workers and union representatives will be informed 

about the reasons for the temporary operation closure. In order to mitigate the impact on employment 

and local workers’ income, qualified workers will continue to work carrying out certain tasks in monitoring, 

security, and other. In addition the programs of economical development and social investment of the 

Community Relation Plan will receive a major input. 

On the other hand, additional measures will be implemented in order to reduce the probability of negative 

impacts due to temporary closure, such as facilities transfer and possible sanitary and security effects. 

The people in charge of the Social Communication Plan will inform the community about the 

environmental, safety and maintenance activities that will be carried out in that period. An increase in 

safety measures for the mine facilities is envisioned. The community will be informed through the Social 

Community Plan about the facilities that will remain closed and will be flagged in order to avoid accidents 

involving individuals or animals within the project’s surrounding areas. 

Maintenance and monitoring 

The most important activity during the mining operation’s temporary closure is the maintenance of the 

water management plan. 

Maintenance activities 

The following activities are recommended for infrastructure maintenance: 

Sediment ponds, pipes and sewers will require regular maintenance and inspection to eliminate built-up 

sediment and debris. Inspections and maintenance are critical during the wet season. 

Damaged pipes and sediment ponds will be immediately repaired to limit erosion potential. 

Built-up sediments in the reservoirs will be periodically removed to maintain free edges and design 

water volume flows. 

Monitoring activities 

Biologic monitoring 

During temporary closure, replanted areas with erosion problems will be permanently monitored, in order 

to identify unstable areas that may require maintenance. Frequency will be adjusted depending on the 

available logistics at this stage of closure. 

Furthermore, the proposed Environmental Monitoring Program for flora and vegetation at the Conga 

Project will continue (Section 6.2.2.8). 

10.3.2.2 Progressive closure activities 

The progressive closure scenario will happen during the mining operation stage when a component or 

part of a component of the mining activities ceases to be useful. 

Progressive closure measures will be implemented in those facilities that will gradually cease their 

operations, like clearing material deposits, whose benches and platforms can be partially restored before 

the mine stops operating. 

Progressive closure and restoration will allow the development and improvement of rehabilitation tools 

that will be implemented in the project’s final closure, so as to increase the possibilities of a successful 

closure with reduced financial costs. 

Within this perspective, it is advised to carry out the closure of the Chailhuagon pit, including clearing its 

material deposit pit because according to the Conga Project mine plan (Graph 4.4.2), exploitation of the 



10-6

Chailhuagon pit will finish in 2027 before the mining operations end. According to the progress of mining 

and clearing material disposal, progressive physical stabilization measures are foreseen at the Perol pit 

and its clearing material deposit. 

It is important to mention that during the progressive closure stage, the implemented rehabilitation 

measures will in essence constitute the final closure measures for some of the Conga Project’s facilities. 

They will be implemented throughout the mining operation. Therefore, method and objectives proposed 

for the final closure are extensive to the progressive closure of the project’s facilities. However, the 

facilities included within the project’s progressive closure, including restoring measures at feasibility level, 

will be defined in the Mine Closure Plan that MYSRL will prepare and present a year after the Conga 

Project EIA is approved. 

The progressive closure activities for the aforementioned facilities are described in Section 10.3.2.3, 

regarding final closure. 


This section includes information on the closure of facilities that have become useless to the Conga 

Project during the operation stage, in which the Social Management Plan will continue. Furthermore, 

during this stage, the potential social and economic impacts resulting from closure activities will be 

periodically assessed. Upon identification of such impacts, the guidelines considered for the progressive 

closure will be included within the programs carried out by the company during the operation stage. They 

will be scheduled yearly. 

Just as in any other closure plan, qualified local workers will be preferred to continue working in other ongoing 

operations, as per the Local Employment and Training Plan. 

In addition, the people in charge of the Social Communication Plan will inform the workers and, if 

necessary, the union representatives about the progressive closure. It will also explain the evaluation 

criteria applied to the selection of the best qualified workers for active operations and will inform about 

the areas that will remain closed and flagged to avoid accidents involving individuals or animals within the 

project’s surrounding areas. 

10.3.2.3 Final closure activities 

The final closure activities within the present EIA comprise restoration of the facility, where needed and if 

feasible, as well as the physical and chemical stabilization of the project’s elements. 

Dismantling and/or demolition the facilities, material recovery and/or recycling, equipment disposal and 

ground leveling in the areas that have not been rehabilitated during the progressive closure are included 

in the final closure activities. 

The clearing material deposits and other affected areas will be reshaped to match, to the extent possible, 

the surrounding areas. As aforementioned, certain areas will be restored progressively during the 

operation stage. Upon completion of the exploitation, the remaining areas will be restored as per the 

specifications of the closure plan at feasibility level. 

The facilities that will be closed during the final closure include the following: Perol pit, Perol waste rock 

storage facility, tailings storage facility, crusher circuit, concentrator plant, hauling and transportation 

roads and ancillary facilities (offices, warehouse, etc.). 

The closure activities considered for the final closure stage are described next: 

Dismantling 

Dismantling will consider equipment and material removal from the facilities, as follows: 



10-7

Preparation of an inventory of the hazardous chemical products used in the area, to confirm that all 

these materials have been correctly disposed of during post-closure monitoring. 

Removal, transfer, and/or sale of chemical components or stored processed materials. 

Decontamination and removal of all mobile and firm equipment. The equipment that may be needed for 

the post-closure stage will remain in place. 

De-energization and removal of power lines that will not be needed for the post closure stage or may be 

applied to measures established in the social closure plan. 

Sediment control structures might not be disassembled during the closure, as they may be needed for 

operation. These structures will be maintained during post-closure. Their removal will be evaluated. 

Derivation canals will not be disassembled during closure either in those cases where they are still 

necessary. 

The acid water treatment plant will continue to operate after the project’s useful life, until post closure 

monitoring indicates that water quality complies with the minimum standards required by Peruvian 

regulations. However, certain measures have been considered if the plant needed to operate 

indefinitely. 

The facilities will be dismantled and dismounted in order to restore the affected areas - as closely as 

possible - into their original, pre-exploitation state. 

As part of dismantling, certain areas may be affected by hydrocarbons or chemicals. Once these areas 

have been identified, they can be restored before final closure. To that end and following structure 

removal, samples will be collected to learn about soil condition. Affected sites will be excavated and soil 

will be piled up in appropriate, duly authorized areas. 

Upon completion of the dismantling activities, certain structures will remain in place only if they contribute 

to fulfill the project’s objectives. 

Demolition, rescue, and disposal 


The following activities are envisaged for the processing facilities: 

The concrete structures that contribute to the land stability (slope) will remain in place (in situ). 

The concrete structures that remain below ground level, such as foundations, will remain in situ but 

covered with soil and will be replanted later. 

Remaining structures in the site will be demolished, providing that demolition does not affect the 

surroundings’ physical stability. The process will allow the separation of the material into the following: 

reusable (to be reused or transferred to associated companies) 

recyclable 

hazardous waste to be disposed of in special areas 

non-hazardous waste that does not require specific disposal measures 

Concrete slabs and structures that may have been exposed to hazardous materials during the project’s 

operation will be demolished and disposed of at duly authorized safety landfills. 

Potentially reusable or recyclable materials will be analyzed to discard hazardous waste content. 

Hazardous waste will be disposed of in safety landfills as stipulated by national regulations. 

If possible, the quantity of reusable and recyclable material will be maximized. Recyclable material will 

be temporarily disposed of at specific areas and will be later transferred to the recycling point. 

Hazardous waste will be handled by a EPS-RS and disposed of at specific duly authorized places. 

Once this waste is removed outside the mining area, the temporary storage areas will be restored. 


Equipment maintenance workshops, management offices and other ancillary facilities that include 

concrete structures will be demolished according to the following criteria: the concrete structures that 

remain underground, like foundations, will remain in place. Structures built on above ground level, like 



10-8

concrete platforms, will be totally demolished. The clearing material hereof will be taken to the Perol 

waste rock storage facility. 

Physical stabilization 

The facilities physical stabilization will provide long term safety and stability. This closure component will 

include the following: 

Slope stability evaluation for all components. 

Necessary stability measures implementation designed for each, including slope reduction, stabilization 

walls and erosion control and protection measures. 

Construction of protection barriers or safety shoulders to prevent access to potentially dangerous areas. 


The closure of the Chailhuagon pit will – to the extent possible - be carried out as a project’s progressive 

rehabilitation measure. In order to close this component a physical stability evaluation will be carried out 

considering the pseudo-static condition for a 500 years return period, as per the recommendations of the 

MEM Mine Closure Plan Preparation Guide. 

In addition, a perimeter barrier parallel to the final pit periphery will be built, which will guarantee that 

instabilities remain within the barrier. This will also provide an access control of individuals and animals. 

Finally, warning signals will be installed to prevent access to the area. 

The following Chart 10.3.1 includes the slope final configuration for the different Chailhuagon pit areas: 

Chart 10.3.1 

Chailhuagon pit final slope configuration for the closure stage 

Pit area Total height (m) General slope (º) 



10-9 

Height between ramps 

(m) 

North 432 49,2 168 

Northeast 384 49,2 240 

Northwest 444 51,3 144 

West 384 42,2 132 

Southwest 288 40,6 120 

South 108 53,0 48 

Southeast 168 45,0 0 

East 288 45,2 276 

Perol pit 

The closure of Chailhuagon pit will include progressive physical stabilization measures. They are related 

to the maintenance of the pit configuration as per the geotechnical design evaluation because aid 

configuration has been developed considering the facility’s installation for the final closure. Chart 10.3.2 

includes the final slope configuration for Perol pit: 

Chart 10.3.2 

Perol pit final slope configuration for the closure stage

Pit area Total height (m) General slope (º) 



10-10 

Height between the 

ramps (m) 

North 564 31 348 

Northeast 468 34 312 

Northwest 492 44 120 

West 624 44 132 

Southwest 432 31 144 

South 408 41 156 

Southeast 384 39 156 

East 480 39 276 

The Perol pit final closure stage will include a physical stability evaluation of the final slopes, as per the 

recommendations of the MEM Mine Closure Plan Preparation Guide. 

In addition, a perimeter barrier parallel to the final pit periphery will be built, which will guarantee that 

possible instabilities remain within the barrier and control the access of individuals and animals to the 

area. Finally, warning signals will be installed to prevent access to the area. 


The closure of the Chailhuagon waste rock storage facility will be carried out as a project’s progressive 

rehabilitation measure. The final configuration at the moment of the waste rock storage facilities closure 

is described next: 

Maximum storage capacity will be 174 metric tons and maximum height will be 192 m. 

The facility will be built as of 4 individual discharge benches with a height of 12 m each. Each bench will 

have a discharge slope of 1,4H:1V, forming a general slope equal or less than 2,5H:1V, for stability at 

the closure. 

The minimum acceptable factor of safety is 1,3 for normal static load conditions. 

The stability evaluation using a maximum seismic load of 0,13g for a 100 year return period indicates 

that deformations of up to 15 cm could occur, which is acceptable. 

It is important to point out that the project’s Closure Plan at feasibility level must include physical stability 

evaluations for the facility’s slopes considering the final closure scenario. 


The closure of the Perol waste rock storage material will implement progressive rehabilitation measures, 

to verify compliance with slope and design conditions: 

Maximum storage capacity will be 480 metric tons and maximum height will be 228 m, including 407 

metric tons of waste rock material, 67 metric tons of lean ore material (LoM) and material from the Perol 

bog. 

The facility will be built with individual discharge benches, each 12 m high. Each bench will have a 

discharge slope of 1,4H:1V, forming a general slope equal or less than 2,5H:1V, for stability at the 

closure. 


The stability evaluation using a maximum seismic load of 0,13g for a 100 year return period indicate that 

deformations of 15 cm have happened, which is acceptable. 

At the final closure of the Perol waste rock storage facility its characteristics according to its design will be 

as follows:

The facility will be built with individual benches, each 12 m high. Each bench will have a discharge 

slope of 1,4H:1V, with a general slope equal or less than 2,5H:1V, for stability at the closure. 


The stability evaluation using a maximum seismic load of 0,13g for a 100 year return period indicate that 

deformations of 15 cm could occur, which is acceptable 

It is important to point out that for the elaboration of the project’s Closure Plan at the feasibility level, 

studies of physical stability for the deposit’s slopes must be carried out; considering the final closure 

scenario. 


The following guidelines shall be considered for the tailings storage facility final closure. 

Rehabilitation will start from the upper side of the facility and continue towards the reservoir, to allow 

water drainage from tailings. 

All restored structures must comply with the minimum factors of physical stability (according to MEM 

standards: FS static ≥ 1,5 and FS pseudo-static ≥ 1,0) to be considered as final closure. 

Surface water will be redirected outwards or along the facility borders to minimize erosion effects. 

In general surface water control systems will be designed to consider thunderstorms with a 200 

years/24 hours minimum interval. 

After scarifying and trimming, the area will be covered with topsoil and replanted. 

Chemical stabilization 

During the mine’s life information about the materials’ chemical nature will be continuously updated, 

including mineralogy and acid-base balance data. This updated information, combined with water quality 

monitoring results, will allow the identification of adequate measures to guarantee chemical stability. 

The specific chemical stability measures to be implemented are: 


According to hydrology reports (Appendix 10.1), a lake will have been formed in Chailhuagon pit by the 

time of closure. Furthermore, according to geochemical samples and the models carried out on the pit’s 

exposed walls, the lake water will be of good quality (neutral pH). Therefore it will not require further 

treatment at the moment of the closure. During the operation, collected rainwater and water drained from 

the pits walls will be treated with the idea of sediment control, before being released to the environment. 

Perol pit 

The model for the Perol pit drainage system done in order to evaluate water quality at the time of the 

closure (SWS, 2009, Appendix 10.1) predicts that the future lake that will be formed in the pit will have 

poor water quality (low pH level and high metal concentration). To reduce the potential impact on 

groundwater, a drainage system will be built up to a height of 3775 m, with the purpose of maintaining a 

hydraulic sink. Water will be pumped to the treatment plant that is located at the foot of the main dam 

(Figure 4.3.4). 

Furthermore, in order to comply with chemical stability criteria, risk evaluation of the wildlife around the 

Perol pit will be carried out before the pit’s closure. If water quality in the long term is at risk, the issue will 

be managed accordingly. The treatment technique will be defined on the basis of further research within 

the closure plan at the feasibility level and/or its updates. 


The Chailhuagon waste rock storage facility will be covered after physical stabilization. Even though it is 

expected that the water in contact with the facility is of good quality, it is necessary to build a cover in 



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order to reduce erosion effects that produce sediments in the facility. The following conceptual measures 

will be implemented for the Chailhuagon waste rock storage facility closure: 

A 10 m platform maximum between the benches will be installed, on top of which a drainage system will 

be built whose design will consider thunderstorms with a 100 years return period. 

Surface water will be redirected outwards or along the facility border in order to minimize erosion 

effects. 

After scarifying and trimming, the areas will be covered with topsoil and replanted. Vegetation will 

contribute to reduce water seepage through the facilities due to evapo-transpiration water loss. 

Water discharge from the Chailhuagon waste rock storage facility will have a neutral pH and will be 

collected through the sub-drainage system to be redirected to the sediment control structures and finally 

released to the environment. 


Waste rock material samples from the Perol pit indicate that it will be acid and that water seepage will 

require further treatment. During closure stage, this water will be redirected to a recovery pond, located 

at the bottom of the facility’s drainage system, in the Alto Jadibamba river basin, or will be collected for 

treatment by the seepage collector system. 

The water quality model developed for the tailings storage facility for the post closure stage envisages 

two scenarios: i) water from the Perol waste rock storage material will be collected and treated before it 

merges into the deposit’s effluents and ii) seepages and run-off from the Perol waste rock storage facility 

will be forwarded into the TSF’s surface pond. 

For both scenarios, the model predicts that water quality in the waste rock storage facility requires 

treatment before being released into the environment. During the closure, the tailings deposit discharge 

will be treated in the mine’s treatment plant, in compliance with the ECA. 

In the Alto Chirimayo basin water which will be drained from the Perol bog will need treatment for 

sediment and water quality control (because of the acidity) before being released into the Alto Jadibamba 

river basin; consequently it will be pumped to the acid water treatment plant. 

Moreover, drainage seepages and surface run-off will be collected and redirected to the acid water 

treatment plant before being released into the environment. 


Geochemical characterization of the Perol pit tailings (Section 3.2.6) suggests that failure to implement 

the control measures will cause the tailings to produce acid. Therefore, acid water treatment will be 

needed. 

According to the current exploitation plan, only the Perol pit will be exploited in the 4 last years of the 

mine’s useful life. Lime will be added in order to ensure that the tailings storage facility will not turn acid 

during the operation stage. Upon closure, the storage facility will be duly covered to prevent acid 

drainage in the long term. The model developed for the post closure water quality suggests that the 

contents of certain metals (Cu, Cd, Mn and Zn) and sulfates will exceed in the long term the ECA level for 

the third category and will not turn acid despite the tailings. Consequently, the water will be treated in the 

acid water treatment plant before being released into the environment. 

Nonetheless, more information will be collected during the operations’ first years to propose the 

necessary strategies to avoid acid water on the tailings storage facility. 

Finally, two revegetation strategies are considered to rehabilitate the areas surrounding the tailings 

storage facility: a portion of the tailings will be used to create a wetland environment and the remains will 

be sowed with pasture for cattle grazing, if feasible. 



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Rehabilitated tailings will allow the formation of wetlands due to their physical properties and the 

hydrology of the retaining structures. Wetlands are often used in mining operations because of their 

efficiency in increasing the pH level and metal precipitation, for example, the Martha Mine (New Zealand), 

Kori Kollo Mine (Bolivia) and Ridgeway Gold Mine and Kyanite Mine (United States) and other mining 

operations in Canada, Australia and Chile. 

In addition, water from the upper dam will be used to maintain the saturation levels in certain areas of the 

facility’s wetlands during the dry season when necessary. 

As aforementioned, most of the tailings area will be replanted during the closure stage. However, a small 

recovery pond in the facility area will remain operative for water collection, storage, and treatment. 

Through post closure monitoring, the project will be able to define if the water quality meets the Peruvian 

standards and no longer needs treatment. If the geochemical flows indicate the need to change water 

treatment, a passive treatment system will be evaluated during the post closure monitoring stage. 


This component is part of the Conga Project remaining structure and will provide mitigation flows to the 

basins and water reservoirs within the project. Just as during project’s operation, collected water in the 

reservoirs will be released into the basin as described next: 

Lower reservoir: will be mainly used to mitigate the impacts on the Alto Jadibamba river basin. 

Upper reservoir: it will be the main mitigation source for the Toromacho ravine basin. 

Perol reservoir: it will provide mitigation flows to the Alto Chirimayo ravine basin. 

Chailhuagon reservoir: it will increase the capacity of the Chailhuagon lake, in order to provide 

mitigation flows to the Chailhuagon river basin. 

In addition, water management for the project’s remaining facilities is described in Section 10.3.2.3, on 

chemical stabilization. 

Land reshaping and habitat rehabilitation 


Most of the project’s accesses and corridors will be restored upon closure of the operation and within the 

final recovery in situ plan. The main Cajamarca access as well as a limited number of gates will be 

maintained to allow future inspections, monitoring, and maintenance of the rehabilitated facilities. 

All hauling roads built by MYSRL will be constructed with non acid material; therefore, geochemical 

stabilization will not be required for the access roads. Road rehabilitation will include the following 

activities: 

A layer with a depth of minimum 0.2 m will be stripped from the surface to set up an adequate basis for 

the topsoil. 

The safety shoulders will be eliminated and the lateral slopes will be trimmed to allow a slope of no 

more than 2,2H:1V. 

The stone walls at the side of the roads, which are made of non consolidated material, will be leveled to 

slopes of less than 2,2H:1V; the walls built of consolidated or partially consolidated material will not 

exceed the bench angles of 65º. 

The surface water derivation and control system will be preserved, to endure 200 years/24 hours 

events. 

Scarified and leveled surfaces will be covered with an organic layer of minimum 0,3m, and will then be 

replanted. 

Drainage systems for road construction will be eliminated and disposed at designated landfills or reused 

to reestablish the natural drainage. 



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All other access roads will be closed, except for those used by the surrounding communities, and those 

leading to the control points or the water treatment facilities during the post closure stage. Restored 

roads will be leveled with the goal to match the original topography and provide long term stable drainage 

characteristics. To the extent possible, natural drainages that have been affected by roads will be 

reestablished to their original location. 

Ancillary structures and facilities 

Certain ancillary facilities will still be operative upon the completion of the mining and processing activities 

in order to support the closure activities. However, once the ancillary structure or facility is no longer 

necessary, it will be demolished and the waste will be disposed of at specific places. The area will be - to 

the extent possible - afterwards scarified, leveled (to reestablish effective drainage), and reshaped to the 

original topography, before being replanted. 

Revegetation 

The revegetation plan includes re-colonization of the areas intervened by the project. After rehabilitation, 

including physical and chemical stabilization and topsoil coverage, the revegetation activities will be 

progressively developed in certain cases and for certain components, while other activities will be 

performed in other areas. The revegetation plan includes the following activities: 

Land use: Will consider land usage before the mining activities (grazing and forest support); the goals 

are: 

Rehabilitate grazing lands that were used by local cattle. 

Minimize erosion sources in intervened areas. 

Sow fast growing native tree species in intervened areas. 

Sowing and transplant: before sowing and transplant of selected species, the terrain will be trimmed and 

covered with topsoil with a density of minimum 30 cm. 

Ground stabilization: it will be necessary to combine sowing with one or more stabilization practices to 

ensure adequate protection against water and wind erosion during the first growing phases. Vegetation 

is the predominant tool for ground stabilization. 

Supplies and fertilizers: Supplies and fertilizers will be applied based on the results of soil 

characterization and the Environmental Management Plan (Chapter 6). Relevant parameters for 

required type and quantity of supplies and fertilizers are: pH level, power conductivity, micronutrients, 

nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic material. 

In order to restore the land to its original condition prior to the mining activities, all discomposed areas will 

be replanted with the exception of the roads that will remain operative during the post closure stage and 

the walls of the Perol and Chailhuagon pits. 

The soil will be prepared in order to sustain the vegetation, through the following activities: 

Leveling off to provide a stable surface resistant to erosion. 

Roads and transit area scarification to loosen the soil. 

Topsoil and/or nutrients will be added to the surface. 

Sowing seeds of self sustainable plant species that will adapt to the soil and weather conditions of the 

area. 

The revegetation mixture already used at the Yanacocha Complex will be also used at the Conga Project. 

These techniques have been developed and perfected in recent years. The current technique uses a mix 

of manual sowing and native pastures and shrubs transplant. The following chart includes information on 

seed sowing and soil modification rates. 

Chart 10.3 



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Revegetation species 

Grass species used for revegetation Quantity to be used (kg/hectare) 

Rye grass (Cajamarca ecotype) 6 

Rye grass Boxer 3 

Rye grass Magnum 3 

Potomac (Dactylis glomerata) 8 

Amba (Dactylis glomerata) 8 

Red Clover (Trifolium pratence) 4 

Festuca fawn 3 

Black oat (Avena strigosa) 21 

Native species (mixture) 7 

Soil improvement 

Lime 1 000 

Triple superphosphate 100 

Urea 180 

Fertilizers 1 000 

In addition to the grass used for manual sowing, the native “ichu” (Calamagrostis sp.) and the “queñuales” 

(Polylepis racemosa) native shrub will also be transplanted. The ichu will be transplanted with a density 

of 12 plants/m 2 and the queñuales in approximately 1 200 plants/hectare. 


As envisaged, final closure includes mine and water management infrastructure, such as the reservoirs: 

For water management infrastructure a Social Fund will be created, which will operate through a trust 

for the use and management of water reservoirs, which supply water to the ADI areas as identified in 

the present EIA, mainly in the dry season. 

For mine infrastructure and considering the impact on labor, an occupational reinsertion component will 

be implemented within the Local Employment and Training Plan. The goal is to mitigate impacts on 

local employment and revenues within the influence area. 

The Social Communication Plan executors will inform the different interest groups promptly and in 

transparence about the project development, closure, and management program, among other topics. 

Requests for ancillary facilities transfer to the community or local or regional institutions will be 

considered. Requests will be accepted if future use is pertinent with the nature of such facilities and if 

safety standards as well as Peruvian regulations are met. 

Regarding safety measures, the project will close and flag those areas which need to remain isolated 

from villagers and domestic and wild animals. 

Finally, it is important to mention that the social programs and impact management measures 

implemented in previous stages will be designed taking into account foreseeable impacts in the project’s 

different stages. The sustainability concept will be incorporated into the design, thus contributing to 

mitigate or repair the closure’s negative effects. In consequence, every program and/or project will count 

on a particular monitoring and evaluation system. 



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Appendix 10.4 includes the details of the Conga Project social closure measures. 

10.3.2.4 Post closure maintenance and monitoring 

Mine Closure Regulations establish that, upon completion of the restoration activities, the mine title-holder 

is responsible for mine care and maintenance for a minimum of a five-year period or until the physical and 

chemical stability of the mining component prone to generating negative impacts is proven. In 

consequence, MYSRL will inspect the area during and after final closure to verify the effectiveness of 

reshaping and closure works at the facilities included in the present EIA. 

Maintenance activities 

Post closure maintenance is the set of activities implemented to prevent or amend any negative 

modification in the involved components, upon completion of the project’s closure. 

The list of active and passive maintenance activities considered for the post closure stage is described 

next: 

Inspection of the shoulders around the pits and slope. Based on the results of such inspections a 

maintenance program will be established. 

Inspection of the waste rock storage facility and tailings storage facility stability according to specific 

programs and their procedure. 

Inspection of remaining buildings and infrastructure in the post closure stage. 

Inspection of soil and vegetation coverage. 

Inspection of the water management infrastructure. 

Inspection of the replanted areas and those that do not comply with the closure’s objectives. 

Control of the project’s areas access for public protection to prevent the alteration of post closure 

activities. 

In addition to the final closure plan, the following contingency plans will be prepared for the following 

events: 

Pit perimeter expansion in case of slope faults or instability. 

Instability detection in the waste rock storage facility and tailings storage facility. 

Fault detection in vegetal coverage. 

Fault detection in the water by pass system. 

Detection of the surface and groundwater quality changes. 

Mechanical or electrical faults that hamper water pumping to the treatment plant. 

These activities are classified under the following clusters. 

Physical maintenance 

Quarterly inspections of the restored areas will be carried out during the first two years in order to detect 

alterations regarding the expected conditions. As of the third year, the inspections will be every six 

months. 

Chemical maintenance 

Quarterly inspections will be performed during the final closure and biannual inspections will take place 

after closure to verify the condition of the installed coverage. Compliance with the protection and 

waterproofing measures will be verified. Also water run-off quality downstream of the waste rock storage 

facilities and tailings storage facility will be analyzed to verify the implemented measures’ effectiveness. 

Hydrologic maintenance 



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Maintenance and cleaning of the water run-off drainage system in the diversion canals will be performed 

regularly. In addition, surface maintenance and cleaning will prevent pool formation. 

Biological maintenance 

Flora maintenance measures might include erosion control, soil stabilization (for affected areas), and 

water flow canaling if vegetal colonization is being altered. If vegetation can not be secured in the 

recovered areas, soil conditions will be reevaluated to detect the problem and apply corrective measures, 

including manure and fertilizers and a new revegetation campaign. 

Monitoring activities 

The final closure monitoring stage will be mainly focused on evaluation of the environmental variables 

monitored during the operation stage in order to see if they have returned to their basal conditions or 

reached the residual level impacts that were considered after the mitigation measures have been applied. 

Physical stability monitoring 

Chailhuagon and Perol pits: monthly slope stability control to identify potential unstable areas in order to 

install warning signs. 

Perol and Chailhuagon waste rock storage facilities: quarterly inspections to verify slope status and 

implemented stabilization measures during the first two years. As of the third year, the inspections will 

be held every six months. 

Water management facilities: quarterly inspections during the first two years and every six months as of 

the third year. 

Other infrastructure: yearly inspection of the implemented stabilization measures’ performance. 

Chemical stability monitoring 

Water quality monitoring will be performed in two fronts in order to verify the project’s chemical 

components stability and preservation of the water bodies in the area. The former will correspond to 

groundwater and the latter to surface water. 

For groundwater, sampling will be carried out using a piezometer. Piezometer location and sampling 

frequency will be outlined as per the experience gained during the operation stage and monitoring will be 

performed every six months. 

Acid drainage should not occur after mitigation and prevention measures implementation; however, 

surface water quality in the sampling stations next to the waste rock storage and tailings facilities will be 

monitored every six months. This information is important for control purposes, including water sampling 

and comparison at one or more spots in areas that have not been affected by the project. Location of the 

sampling stations and monitoring frequency may be adjusted based on the experience gathered during 

operation. 

Water management monitoring 

Water management monitoring will be mainly related to water quality (before treatment) at the Perol pit, 

the Perol waste rock storage facility and the tailings storage facility. Water quality at these points will 

determine the required monitoring term for the post closure stage. Information on water quality prior to 

the treatment will determine the monitoring frequency. 

Additionally the project’s water management monitoring foresees the inspection of water by pass 

structures for possible erosion 

Biologic monitoring 

Monitoring will be performed every six months (during dry and wet seasons) during the first two years 

after closure and annually as of the third year and up to the fifth year. The scope of the wildlife monitoring 



10-17

program includes the evaluation of the affected and replanted areas and other areas that were not 

touched by the project in order to compare and establish a recovery plan where the project was executed. 

A methodology to evaluate the following parameters will be implemented: diversity, coverage, and vertical 

vegetation stratification. Result comparison will indicate if the restored areas (with inducted or natural 

revegetation) are closer or not to the characteristics established in the base line. Grass quality will be 

also evaluated to test if it is able to resist animal weight in the replanted areas and to learn how to recover 

the land for grazing. 

10.4 Post closure residual impact and mitigation measures 

The Conceptual Closure Plan has been developed with the purpose of reducing categories and levels of 

environmental and social impacts produced after the project final closure. It is not possible, however, to 

mitigate all environmental impact. Therefore the residual impacts which will possibly continue after the 

closure activities for each of the environmental components will be described in the next section. In 

addition, it is important to highlight the possibility that the closure activities may have positive net benefit. 

Certain facilities will need permanent maintenance; therefore post closure must be considered as long 

term care and maintenance rather than a complete end of closure activities. 

10.4.1 Relief, geomorphology and landscape 

As described in this section and included within the closure activities, most of the project facilities will be 

reshaped and replanted. To the extent possible, these activities will focus on the rehabilitation of the 

disturbed areas in order to return them to a condition like the pre mining conditions. These activities 

include restoring the tailings storage facility, the Perol and Chailhuagon waste rock storage facilities, the 

concentrator plant area, access and corridors and most of the ancillary facilities. A safe access to the pits 

is not possible; therefore they will not be rehabilitated and remain as a local relief residual impact. 

Section 5.2.4.12 includes the impact on the landscape connected to the final pit configuration. 

10.4.2 Air 

A very low residual impact on air quality is expected after final closure. These impacts are due to the 

water treatment plant operation and occasional use of light vehicles for maintenance and monitoring. The 

air quality model developed for the operation stage confirms minimum impact on air quality during closure 

and post closure stages. 

10.4.3 Noise and vibrations 

Noise and vibration residual impacts will not continue after project closure. Explosions and heavy weight 

trucks traffic are the main source for these impacts and these activities will conclude upon project’s 

termination. After closure, residual impacts will be connected to the water treatment plant operation and 

occasional use of light vehicles for maintenance and monitoring. 

10.4.4 Soil 

As established in the Conceptual Closure Plan, the stored soil in the topsoil stockpiles will be used for 

closed facilities rehabilitation prior to revegetation. During project operation, it is expected that soil 

microbiology activity will decrease; however, the recovery of the topsoil basal conditions is expected for 

the post closure stage. Residual impacts for soil component are connected to the following activities: 

Creation of the Perol, Chailhuagon, upper and lower reservoirs 

Lake formation in the Chailhuagon and Perol pits 

Continuous operation of the water treatment plant and connected small recovery pond 

Necessary access for maintenance and monitoring 

Because reservoirs and lakes will be created they will have an impact on the soil. Stockpiles area totals 

54 hectares whereas the lakes cover 366 hectares. The rest of the remaining facilities in the area will 

represent less than 20 hectares. 



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10.4.5 Hydrology 

As described in the Surface Water and Sediment Management Plan (Golder 2009; Appendix 4.2), the 

diversion canals built for the operation stage will be maintained during closure, even though the sediment 

protection structures will be restored as part of the project’s final closure. Therefore, the original drainage 

systems for the area will not be returned to the base line conditions. These alterations will produce a 

minimum change in the basins’ hydrologic patterns except at the basin’s top end where the project 

facilities are as during the operation stage, the Perol, Chailhuagón, upper and lower reservoirs will be 

able to maintain the flow during the dry season. In addition, after the operation stage, the upper dam will 

no longer need to provide water to the concentrator plant and may be used to maintain the wetlands 

created in the tailings storage facility. It may also provide additional water during the dry season if an 

agreement is reached with the community. 

10.4.6 Surface water 

Management measures for certain surface water volume will be required during the post closure stage 

due to potential acid generation. waste rock material characterization and the lake geochemical model in 

the pit (SWS 2009, Appendix 10.2) predict that pit walls and the Chailhuagon waste rock storage facility 

will be neutral and have a low metal dissolution potential. As stated in the Chailhuagon pit lake 

evaluation study, (SWS 2009, Appendix 10.1), after the mining activities this pit will be filled up with water 

and 11 years later water can be discharged into the drainage system so as not to affect water quality of 

the drainage system. According to the geochemical characterization water quality is expected to remain 

similar to the base line conditions. Impact on the water quality from the Chailhuagon drainage is not 

expected during the post closure stage. 

Regarding the Alto Chirimayo drainage, seepages from the restored Chailhuagon waste rock storage 

facility and the hauling roads will show water quality similar to the base line conditions and will flow 

straight into the river. 

Regarding the Perol pit, it will be filled with acid water (SWS 2009, Appendix 10.3). The Perol pit 

evaluation study (SWS 2009, Appendix 10.1) indicates that the pit will take 80 years to be filled and will 

therefore limit the access of groundwater to the pit. In order to handle the acid water in advance, after 55 

years of filling up, care and maintenance, water will be pumped out of the pit towards the water treatment 

plan in the Alto Jadibamba river basin. The pumping rate will be about 72 L/s (SWS 2009, Appendix 

10.1). This lake management in the Perol pit will prevent causing impacts on the Alto Chirimayo and 

Chugurmayo drainage system’s water quality. 

As described in the Environmental Management Plan (Chapter 6), seepages from the Perol waste rock 

storage facility and probably from the tailings storage facility will require continuous management to 

ensure that water quality in the Toromacho basin and the Alto Jadibamba river will not be affected during 

post closure stage. The characterization study proves that the waste rock storage facility seepages will 

be acid. Due to the addition of lime, tailings storage facility seepages will be alkaline, but may be high in 

metal concentration which will require treatment. Seepages from the waste rock and tailings storage 

facilities will be collected at the supernatant pond connected to the tailings storage facility. Collected 

water will be sent to the water treatment plant before being released into the lower reservoir. Water that 

will need treatment will reach an estimate of 72 L/s during the closure stage, including water that will be 

pumped from the Perol pit, as aforementioned. 

10.4.7 Hydrogeology and groundwater 

Upon completion of the mining operations, a combination of surface and groundwater will start to fill up 

the Chailhuagon and Perol pits. The pit filling models (Appendix 10.1) indicate that the Chailhuagon pit 

will require between 10 and 12 years to be filled up. From that moment it will discharge straight into the 

Chailhuagon drainage, with a rate of approximately 52 L/s. Once the pit is filled, no further impacts to 

surface and groundwaters will occur since the discharged water is expected to have near basal conditions 

(SWS 2009, Appendix 10.2). 



10-19

The Perol pit, located in the Alto Chirimayo basin, will be filled with water in more than 80 years due to 

slow recharge flow of groundwater. As mentioned before, the pit water level will have to be maintained in 

order to generate a hydrologic drain so as to avoid acid water impact in the surface or groundwater. 

According to the Perol pit model (FEFLOW Appendix 10.1) if the pit is maintained as a drain, groundwater 

recharge flow into the basin will be slightly reduced. The impact will be lower than during the operation 

stage and will be mitigated accordingly. This is through the discharge of the Perol reservoir in the Alto 

Chirimayo basin. Water will be pumped up from the pit to the Alto Jadibamba basin water treatment plant 

in order to ensure adequate groundwater quality. 

As aforementioned, seepages from the Perol waste rock and the tailings storage facilities will require 

management measures during the post closure stage. Collection and treatment will reduce the 

groundwater recharge flow into the basin, but no further impact on the groundwater quality is foreseen. 

Treated water will be sent to the lower reservoir, from where it will be discharged straight into the Alto 

Jadibamba river basin. Discharge flows will mitigate the reduced surface water flow that result from the 

underground recharge into the footprint of the Perol waste rock and the tailings storage facilities. During 

post closure stage, water from the upper reservoir will be discharged into the Toromacho ravine in order 

to mitigate the slight reduction of this basin’s recharge due to the tailings storage facility. 

10.4.8 Flora, vegetation and terrestrial fauna 

Recovery activities in most of the facilities will limit the impact on flora, terrestrial fauna, and vegetation 

during the post closure stage. Revegetation with native species will return the closed facilities to basal 

conditions to the extent possible. In addition, restored facilities will provide an adequate habitat for 

terrestrial fauna. 

As stated above, the pits will not be replanted but will be converted into lakes. This statement is also 

valid for the reservoir. Total lake and reservoir surface is 420 hectares. These facilities will offer a larger 

habitat for species such as water birds. Other impacts on land wildlife will be the water treatment plant 

and roads for limited access for care and maintenance of the restored facilities. 

10.4.9 Hydrobiology 

Post closure stage impact on water life will be similar to those observed during the operation stage, as 

described in section 5.2.4.1.1. Impact is connected to the installation of facilities in ravines with water 

fauna. Mitigation measures to be applied during the operation and post closure stages are related to the 

compensation during the dry season. This will improve fish habitat and will generate potential fishing 

opportunities in the project’s water reservoirs. 

10.4.10 Bogs 

The post closure stage will offer additional opportunities to mitigate the bog impact which is foreseen to 

occur during the construction and operation stages. As aforementioned, opportunities for wetland 

development will increase during closure. The main opportunity is the tailings storage facility closure 

which will provide the necessary characteristics for wetland development because tailings are easy to 

maintain in a saturation status due to their physical characteristics. Water for wetland development will 

be provided by the upper reservoir. 

Other areas that may enable wetland creation during the closure stage are the ones located between the 

Chailhuagon pit lake and the Chailhuagon reservoir in the Chailhuagón river basin as well as the area 

located above the hauling road in the Alto Chirimayo ravine basin. 



10-20

Section 11.0 - Cost - benefit analysis 

This chapter presents the results of the analysis cost - benefit associated with the development of the 

Conga project of MYSRL and is based on the findings on conditions in the various environmental and 

socio-economic components whereas the implementation of the project, as proposed in the present EIA, 

and the conditions in which would be the components analysed in the post-closing stage. 

Thus, in order to analyse the issue from a holistic perspective, reviewed the chapters to the 

characterization of the initial situation of the environmental and socioeconomic components (Chapter 3), 

as well as the corresponding chapter to the qualification of the residual impacts to the stages of 

construction and operation (Chapter 5) and the one devoted to the description of the measures envisaged 

in the plan of closing and expected conditions to the stage post-closing (Chapter 10). 

Given that analysis requires a definition of key concepts, this chapter considers as a "cost" to any 

negative change, whose occurrence is imminent as a result of the implementation of the project (even 

after implemented management measures considered) in any of the assessed components and that has 

some level of significance[1]. 

It is also important to mention that the costs relating to various environmental and social components 

have peculiarities inherent in the nature of the impact on the receptor, as for example the reversibility. 

Thus, for example, if during a stage of the project from a component being damaged irreversibly, cost is 

considered to be only during this period, including the amplifying effect to impact due to the characteristic 

of irreversibility, so for the next phase to analyze, the cost has already been taken and avoids duplication 

in the "accounting". 

On the other hand, it is considered a "benefit" to any positive change, whose occurrence is imminent 

before the implementation of the project, whereas even the effect of the proposed management 

measures and that occur within any of the tested components and that has some level of considerable 

significance. As for costs, the permanent benefits are made in a stage, and only occur at later stages in 

the cases where these vary significantly, either in size or nature. 

For the purposes of this study, the present evaluation has given priority to the realization of a qualitative 

analysis, which concludes with a balance sheet after a recount of the major costs and benefits, evaluated 

from a perspective of national, regional, provincial and local. 

Before presenting the costs and benefits associated with the project, this assessment outlines the general 

framework in which this initiative, namely the socio-economic and environmental contexts and the most 

important characteristics of the project, is developed to facilitate the understanding of the conclusions 

which can be reached. 

11.1 General framework 

11.1.1 Environmental context 

In the environmental context, the project will take place at an average altitude of 4 080 m, in the Jalca 

region, in an environment that presents as main features relief is dominated bymountains, narrow ravines, 

rocky outcrops with steep slopes and mountainous with depressions areas. The geology of the area 

includes two copper-gold porphyritic deposits, called Perol and Chailhuagon. 

The location of the infrastructure would mean the occupation of areas in part of five basins: Alto 

Jadibamba river, Alto Chirimayo ravine, Chaihuagon river, Toromacho ravine and Chugurmayo ravine; 

however, the fraction of basin to occupy in the last three is less than 2%. 

In meteorological terms, the area presents a positive water balance, with a level of precipitation annual 

average of1 143,4mm, of whom 80% usually occurs in the wet season (October - April). Temperature and 

wind speed average of the area are estimated at 6.5 ° C and 3.9 m/s respectively, being the predominant 

directions of this last variable east-northeast (ENE) and northeast (NE). 



11-1

The local context presents, as a result of the relief, geological characteristics and weather conditions, 

ecosystems of the lentic and lotic type; composed of lakes, springs and bogs in the first case, and 

streams in the second. 

In the case of lakes, there area five lakes in the site area: Perol [2] (800 000 m 3 ), Chailhuagon (1 200 000 

m 3 ), Azul (400 000 m 3 ), Chica (less than 100 000 m 3 ) and Mala (less than 100 000 m 3 ). In general, the 

water in the Lakes is characterized by being of good quality. 

In the case of the springs, the occurrence of these is quite limited in the area of direct location and is 

basically restricted to the southern area, this is due to the geology of the area posed no conditions 

conducive to the occurrence of these elements. Also, the connectivity of the springs in the area with 

surface water bodies is estimated low. The quality of the water of these elements is mainly influenced by 

local geochemical characteristics (i.e. high pH levels in areas with presence of carbonate minerals and 

low pH levels in areas with presence of mineral associated with sulfide). 

In the case of the bogs present in the site area (102,7 has), studies show that these are given relatively 

low basal quality characteristics of the rock of the area and other conditions anthropogenic discussed 

lines below. Another important feature of these elements in the local area is that they are adequately 

represented in the regional context, in which are often fragmented and with low biodiversity. Completed 

measurements show that these bogs have a limited effect in surrounding creeks, given that the streams 

that drain from these elements just one fraction less of the total flows. 

In the case of the streams/ravines, the direct site area ocuppies areas with these elements mainly in 3 

basins: the basins of the Alto Jadibamba river, of the Chailhuagon river and Alto Chirimayo ravine; the 

fraction occupied in the basins of the ravines Toromacho and Chugurmayo is fairly minor. These streams 

are streams characterized by variability that responds to the events of precipitation and, to a lesser 

extent, to the upwelling of groundwater; However, these last ones are - generally - the largest fraction of 

the flows during the months more critical of the dry season (August and September). In terms of their use 

for irrigation and drinking of animals, the quality of the water in the different ravines is acceptable, 

although in some cases presents elements of the interaction of flows with different mineralized areas, 

especially around the Perol bog, Alto Chirimayo ravine, and at the top of Alto Jadibamba river. 

The hydrogeological resource, given the local geology, it flows quite superficial layers and is very limited, 

surfacing locally and as mentioned earlier, contributing significantly in different streams only in dry 

season. The quality of groundwater has chemical characteristics affected by mineralization local, finding 

presence of metals or levels of varying pH in the area. 

With regard to soil resources, the largest fraction of soils has been classified as land with natural 

grasslands (32.6%); while in terms of potential, the dominant fractions are the soil group suitable for 

grazing (44,0%), followed by the soil group protection (36.5%). 

Regarding flora and vegetation, the dominant vegetation type is the grasslands, which occupies 

approximately 87.5% of the site area. Also, the bogs of the area have a poor conservation status, mainly 

due to overgrazing. On the other hand, in the local context were identified 520 types of plants, some of 

which are included in lists of national protection; However, most of them are outside the site area. 

With respect to the fauna, in the local context, there were 205 species of birds, 19 of mammals, 4 

species of amphibians and 3 of reptiles, of which 13 species of birds, a species of mammal (oldfield 

mouse of Cajamarca Thomasomys praetor) and one amphibian (frog Eleutherodactylus simonsii) are 

protected by national legislation. However, the allocation of habitats associated with these species, 

product of the live site, is rather limited. 



11-2

Aquatic life, especially in regard to the periphyton, macrobentos and (catfish and trout), fish in the 

creeks/streams in the area is quite variable, featuring levels of abundance and wealth that are low to 

medium, while these levels strongly influenced by the flow of the watercourses and the quality of the 

same. In this way we found poor streams associated with acidic characteristics or low flow water flows, 

and areas of higher quality where the quality of water is neutral or alkaline and presented a moderate 

flow. 

Exclusively from a hydrobiological perspective, some of the lakes in the area of study, especially Mala 

and Chica have a low quality, which is reflected in low levels of diversity and abundance of species, 

product of the levels of sedimentation and development of bacteria that reduce the development of 

aerobic life. Other lakes, even if they have better characteristics than two lakes previously described, also 

have some limitations that reduce their quality for the development of aquatic life. 

From a hydrobiological and habitat perspective, some of the bogs also have a low quality product mainly 

of some particular natural conditions (i.e. low pH and presence of metals) and degradation as a result of 

overgrazing. 

In the cultural environment, in archaeological terms, completed evaluations and programmed activities 

shall avoid affecting the location of the project some archaeological remains; While in terms of landscape, 

the area is characterized by common to local and regional level, and be formed primarily by grasses and 

farming areas, presenting - in line generals - a visual quality average. 

Finally, the limited presence of anthropic activities in the area results in low levels of particulate, gases, 

noise and vibration material. 

11.1.2 Socio-economic context 

The context in which arose the Conga project is unique, because this initiative is located in the Cajamarca 

region, field in which mining represents nearly 22 per cent of regional GDP [3] , and develops several 

operations, including the corresponding to the Yanacocha complex, which currently comes decreasing 

their level of activity [4] . Therefore, the continuity in the levels of income in different spheres of 

Government, involves the development of new productive activities. 

On the other hand, the regional and national socio-economic component - familiar with activity mining - it 

has been affected by the end of 2008 and 2009 international financial crisis and is in the process of 

recovery, so it needs to attract and make investments, within the framework of the development strategy 

which the State has defined, are obvious. 

In the case of the local socio-economic component, specifically the area of direct influence, is 

characterized as an area with a population of about 2 400 inhabitants, mostly in poverty (73.4%)[5], and 

27.4% of the population in extreme poverty[6]. 

Population by gender presents a uniform distribution and the population pyramid is concentrated in the 

lower age groups (between 0 and 14 years, mainly). The heads of household, are mostly men (90.9%). 

Of them, 70.3% have reached the level of primary education and 12.7 percent does not have any 

educational level. The distribution of the household head in the area of direct influence of the socioeconomic 

component[7] shows that the predominant age group is that of the population between 31 and 

45 years of age (36.5%). 

As the number of children, found that the majority of the homes in the area of direct influence of the socioeconomic 

component have only one son (25.6%). However, a similar percentage of households (22.4%) 

have four children or more. 

With regard to the constructive characteristics of households, 88.6 per cent have as predominant material 

adobe or tapia in the construction of walls; 97.4% has earth or sand in the construction of floors; and 



11-3

49.3% has calamine plates or fiber cement in ceilings. In terms of access to basic services, only one 

smaller percentage of households have access to drinking water, or through connection inside the house 

(6.3%) or outside the house (4.1%). 

In the case of toilets, only 0.4% of households have toilet service connected to the public network of drain 

outside the house and none is connected to the public network of drain inside the house. The use of 

candles represents the most common lighting type (64.9%). 

In this local context, about a quarter of the population (26.2 per cent) is illiterate, being predominantly the 

case of the female population; while the population over 14 years, or population of working age (PET), 

represents 69% of the total population. In addition, 55 per cent of the employed EAP serves as selfemployed 

and 33% as unpaid family worker (TFNR); and to a lesser extent, 11% plays as a dependent 

worker (employee or worker), in low value-added activities. 

The main economic activity that currently develops the EAP is agriculture (87% of the total), followed by 

manufacturing (7%), trade (3%), construction (1%) and other (2%). 

Agricultural units (UA´s) are characterized by activities mainly intended for self-consumption (menestras, 

tubers, cereals, among others), and the marketing of milk production of its cattle. In this way, the sale of 

milk is the main source of cash income. Also, even a small percentage of UA's is exclusively dedicated to 

the livestock activity (7%). 

Notes that the majority of plots of the local context depends on rains (rainfed) for irrigation (80% of the 

total number of plots), and only 14% of the plots used irrigation canals. 

11.1.3 Characteristics of the project 

The project Conga considers the construction and operation of a mine with facilities in 5 basins [8] , those 

who will occupy approximately 2 000 ha, and consists mainly of the exploitation of the Perol and 

Chailhuagon pits, and the transport of material to the Perol and Chailhuagon waste rock storage facilities, 

or the concentrator plant, depending on the nature of the exploitable mineral. Studies indicate that, in 

general, the Perol rock has potential for acid generation, while the rock of Chailhuagón has nature 

alkaline. 

Also the project considers the processing of ore in a mill of conventional flotation and the disposition of 

tailings, through a system of transport and distribution conventional in the tailings storage facility, which is 

mainly located in the Alto Jadibamba river basin [9] and, to a lesser extent, in the basin of the Toromacho 

ravine. According to the completed surveys, the tailings storage facility area has features that allow 

considering it a closed system, from a hydrological and hydrogeological perspective. This facility will have 

a seepage collection system for its two dams (Main and Toromacho) and a supernatant pond water 

recovery system. 

Other key project facilities are the four topsoil stockpiles, the ROM Pad, the coarse ore stockpile, the 

crushing circuit and the water management facilities, including four reservoirs (Perol, Chailhuagón, upper 

and lower) and water treatment systems (acidic water and sediment control) scheduled to be built. 

It is necessary to emphasize the importance which have reservoirs in the design of the project since its 

inclusion in the general scheme responds to the importance that MYSRL has been given to water 

resources in the area and therefore the need to mitigate potential impacts with a focus on prevention and 

the generation of opportunities for social development. 

Of these reservoirs, three of them, Perol, Chailhuagon and lower, will be used exclusively for the 

mitigation of impacts associated with the transfer of the lakes, the reduction in the flows in streams and 

for social development in the areas of influence; while the upper reservoir will provide also the water 

required for the processing of the ore. 



11-4

According to this scheme, copper concentrate bearing gold and silver which will take place on the 

concentrator plant during the period of operation it will be transported by trucks to a port on the north 

coast (probably to the of Salaverry, Trujillo Department) using existing public roads. 

Among other features of the project which is estimated to have effects on the environment of the project 

partners with the physical component changes, the site area, that occupied areas for cattle raising and 

where are community corridors and other elements of interest of the population, traffic generation, the 

emission of particulate matter, gases, noise and vibration material. Other features such as the payment of 

obligations (i.e. taxes, royalties, canon), procurement and contracting, the development programmes and 

the purchase of lands, among others, will also have influence on the environment of the project, mainly at 

the local level, but also on more extensive areas. 

Considering the specifics of the project and the basal characteristics of the different components of the 

environment, the EIA identified at an early stage, predictable environmental ,socio-economic and cultural 

impacts, which designed the Environmental Management Plan (Chapter 6) and the Social Management 

Plan (Chapter 7), representing the plans aimed at the prevention and control of the negative impacts and 

to the reinforcement or empowerment of positive impacts. Whereas the implementation of them, were 

estimated residual impacts. 

Additionally, and in order to handle properly the remaining impacts or generated after a completion of the 

operations,the conceptual closure plan was developed (Chapter 10), which presents the guidelines to 

follow in order to achieve, in environmental terms, conditions of stability, security and compatibility with 

the environment, and in social terms, the effect effective reduction of the reduction of the demand for 

purchasing and hiring as a result of the completion of the operations and the management of the "active" 

remaining in the stage of post-closing. 

Considering the characteristics of the conceptual closure plan (Chapter 10), it has been possible to 

generate an objective view of the overall site area once they complete the operations. The experience of 

recent years at the international level allows to estimate that the implementation of this plan, together with 

the plans previously described will make it possible to reduce costs and increase the benefits of the 

project at all stages. 

It should be noted that it has been considered as a benefit or cost, as appropriate, to the impacts that 

represents the project since the beginning of the pre-construction phase until the stage of post-closing. 

However, whereas the minor impacts expected may occur during the pre-construction phase, we have 

included the costs and benefits of this stage in the construction period. 

11.2 Analysis of the costs 

11.2.1 Environmental costs 

To establish the environmental costs of the project analysed the conclusions about the final impacts of 

negative and their respective significance. This exercise was carried out based on the analysis of 

environmental impacts during the stages of construction and operation (Chapter 5). 

Moreover, information on the concepts of closure was considered in order to estimate the post-closing 

conditions. 

In this way, the costs, in terms of environmental impacts and throughout the development of the project, 

would be as follows: 


The Conga project represents, as described in previous chapters, one of the most important projects to 

develop in the coming years in the Peru from multiple perspectives, it is closely linked to changes to the 



11-5

development of this project during their different stages with different intensities and different 

components. 

It is so in the stage of construction is estimated the occurrence of major changes in the environment, 

considering the challenges that the implementation of an initiative of this magnitude requires addressing. 

From the completed analysis, impacts with no, very low, low, moderate and high significance are 

expected; in this way, associated with these qualifications, for the construction stage is expect the 

following costs: 

Minor environmental costs: the costs of this type are mostly associated to the impacts of very low and low 

significance in aspects such as geomorphology and relief, soils (in the basins of Chugurmayo ravine, Alto 

Chirimayo ravine, Chailhuagon river and Toromacho ravine), air quality (due to local dispersion), noise 

and vibration (very local impacts), surface water (in terms of quantity and quality, modification of the 

drainage in the basins of Toromacho and Chugurmayo ravines, the Chailhuagon river, and by the transfer 

of Mala lake in the basin of the Chailhuagon river), groundwater (in terms of modification of the catchment 

areas in the basins of the Chailhuagón river and Alto Chirimayo, Chugurmayo and Toromacho ravines), 

flora and vegetation (in the Chugurmayo and Toromacho sectors), terrestrial fauna (in terms of 

involvement of habitats in the Toromacho and Chugurmayo sectors), aquatic life, landscape and road 

traffic. 

In the specific case of water, the construction of reservoirs during the first months of this first stage of the 

project and the implementation of a plan specifically aimed at the generation of sediment control, they will 

allow to reduce the environmental cost to the levels described. On the other hand, the mitigating action of 

reservoirs will also reduce the environmental cost of the project in regards to the hydrogeological 

resource, even though, as mentioned above, its use and influence in the local context is limited. 

Moderate environmental costs: the most important in the stage of construction costs will be represented 

by the changes generated as a result of the loss of soils in the watershed of the Alto Jadibamba river, the 

modification of the drainage of the basins of Alto Jadibamba river and Alto Chirimayo ravine, the transfer 

of the lakes Perol, Azul, Mala and Chica, the alteration of groundwater flows in the basin of Alto 

Jadibamba river, the loss of plant formations, especially bogs, in the basins of Alto Jadibamba river, Alto 

Chirimayo ravine and Chailhuagon river, the affectation of terrestrial habitats in Alto Jadibamba, Alto 

Chirimayo and Chailhuagon sectors, and the frightening away of the wildlife on the land in the area of 

direct occupation. 

It is important to mention that while it is true that it is estimated that some of the analysed impacts occur 

during the operation stage, was considered for the purposes of this report accounting for the cost at the 

time of completing the generating activity of impact rather than the time of demonstration of the impact. In 

this way, situations such as continuous variations in the setting of the tailiings storage facility have been 

considered as costs in the construction stage. 

In that regard, and considering the costs presented for this stage, it can be concluded that the Conga 

project - in its construction phase - represents a moderate environmental cost and that it is mainly linked 

to changes in the environment primarily generated by the site direct infrastructure on a scale 

commensurate with the dimensions of a major mining project. 


A notable feature of this project is the fact that most of the environmental costs have been considered in 

the construction stage, so only expected costs related to the phase of operation when the continuity of a 

reversible impact or submitted further changes in the environment. 



11-6

During this stage it is anticipated impacts of low and very low significance, and in some cases moderate, 

primarily associated with changes in some elements and certain receptors. Thus between environmental 

costs identified at this stage are: 

Lower environmental costs: associated mostly with the impacts of significance very low or lower in what 

refers to the air quality (due to local dispersion), noise and vibration (very local impacts), water surface (in 

terms of quality associated with the low sediment load, and quantity), disturbance of groundwater flows in 

the basins of the Toromacho and Chugurmayo ravines, quality of groundwater, land animals, aquatic life, 

landscape and road traffic. 

Moderate environmental costs: the most important costs of the operation stage are referred to the 

impacts generated as a result of the modification of the relief, modification of the drainage system of the 

basin of Alto Jadibamba river, alteration of the groundwater flows in Alto Jadibamba and Chailhuagon 

rivers, and the Alto Chirimayo ravine basins. 

It is important to note that, even though it is estimated that no additional costs at this stage associated 

with elements such as soils, aquatic life and flora and vegetation will be presented, most of the impacts 

identified in the construction phase will be of a permanent nature. It is also necessary to emphasize the 

importance of the operation of four reservoirs which will make it possible to effectively mitigate the 

impacts on water resources and thus reduce the environmental cost of the project could represent. 

Whereas initially exposed, one can conclude that the phase of operation of the project represents one 

minor environmental cost. 

Closure and post-closure Stage 

Considering the projected situation of the environmental component after about 2 decades of 

development of the Conga project, the activities of remediation that is scheduled to run during the stages 

of closure and post-closure, will make it possible to reduce the environmental impact of the project, so the 

additional environmental costs, taking as a reference on the stage of operation, it could be qualified as 

null. However, taking into account the presence of a lake in the Perol pit will be treated permanent and 

this cost has been taken during previous but with some distinct characteristics stages, can be seen that 

this situation is, therefore the stage, a minor environmental cost. 

It should be noted the fact that the analysis for this stage does not raise a comparison between the 

scenario projected without and with the implementation of the proposed mining initiative, that given the 

presence of multiple actors in the area that act of agents of change in the environment, would be 

inappropriate to generate an estimated view of the area without or with project details. 

11.2.2 Socio-economic costs 

Equivalently to the environmental component, the determination of the socio-economic costs has been 

made after the assessment and classification of the residual impacts of the project, described in the 

analysis of socio-economic impacts (Chapter 5). In this way, as a result of the study of the significance of 

the residual negative impacts, it is possible to determine the magnitude of the socio-economic costs that 

could be generated as a result of the construction and the operation of the project. 

Also, information on the conditions of post-closing (Chapter 10) was used as an input for the 

determination of the socio-economic costs. 

The justification of the costs incurred based on the most important impacts encountered at different 

stages of the project and they are as follows: 


During the pre-construction and construction stages, starts the location of the infrastructure of the project, 

which implies the arrival to the area of the various companies involved, generating social impacts, 



11-7

(related components such as communication, social networks, culture and security) of an economic 

nature (purchases and procurements), psychosocial (perceptions and expectations) and political (tension 

and potential conflict). 

The identification, evaluation and rating of the negative socio-economic impacts are expected may occur 

during the construction stage, were the residual impacts whose significance varies from low to high. 

According to these characteristics, identified the following costs associated with this stage: 

Minor socio-economic costs: associated mainly with cultural conflicts generated by the arrival of people 

linked to the project with modes of life outside the towns of the area of influence, less access to some 

resources exploited in the area and some discomfort associated with environmental variables caused by 

the movement generated during this stage that requires intensive personal, vehicles, equipment and 

machinery. It is necessary to indicate that as part of the project is planned the implementation of various 

plans to mitigate the impacts described[10]. 

Moderate socio-economic costs: the most important socio-economic costs are linked to changes that 

would be generated on the roads crossing the site area of the Conga project, to the loss of fixed assets of 

production of the former owner population [11] , to the process of adaptation and social integration which 

would be submitted after the sale of their land, the social and political instability product perceptions, and 

expectations [12] on the implications of the development of the project. 

In the first case, the location of the project area is crossed by two corridors that connect the sectors from 

North to South and from East to West of the project. These would be interrupted in some sections and as 

a mitigation measure will be built a new scheme consisting of the new North-South and East-West, 

corridors which will make it possible to maintain connectivity. However, the road linking the areas of North 

to South has a longer stroke, which would mean longer journey. 

In the case of impacts that fall on former family owners, the project has designed the Social support 

programme by acquisition of land (PASAT), which refers to social support programs designed to facilitate 

the social and economic integration of the former owners in its new context. Although the PASAT 

(Appendix 7.2) considered international best practices for proper management of the impacts, are 

regarded as negative residual impacts, interpreted as costs, change in lifestyle and the breakdown of the 

social networks of kinship. 

With regard to the over-expectation of the investments to be carried out by the company and the 

availability of jobs, it is anticipated that both the Social Communication Plan (section 7.9) and the 

Participatory Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan (section 7.10) will contribute to its effective 

reduction. However, and considering the particular context of the environment, characterized by 

insecurity, it is expected the occurrence of a negative residual impact resulting in a moderate socioeconomic 

cost. 

In the specific case of perceptions, the Social Communication Plan and the activities of the participatory 

monitoring will allow reducing the expected impact, which would eventually be reflected in social 

accounting of the project as a moderate cost. 

According to the above, concludes that the phase of construction of the project represents a socioeconomic 

cost moderate, being the most important impacts those produced in the villages of the area of 

the project site and, in particular in the former family owners. 


The operation stage has been able to identify negative impacts whose significance varies from low to 

high. However, the most important impacts are linked on expectations about the benefits, in terms of 

employment and social investment, and expectations about investments conducted regional and local 



11-8

governments in infrastructure. The latter derives from higher revenues per canon that both governments 

would receive. 

In both cases, considers the socio-economic cost as a minor, since that in the first case, the impact could 

be considered an extension of the generated at the stage of construction, which has already been 

accounted; However, expectations during operation normally have singularities that merit recognition as a 

new cost. 

In the second case, and even though the efficiency in managing the Government local and regional in 

terms mainly of investment depends very little on the private sector, MYSRL presents the development of 

the project of “Capacity Building in Design and Management of Investment Projects of Local District and 

Provincial Governments”, whose main objective will be to promote the realization of cost based on local 

development plans that are developed in a way participatory and which are have clearly defined the 

priorities for the short, medium and long term, what will ensure the legitimacy and acceptance of these 

costs, this eventually leading to a reduction in the cost associated. 

In addition, also incorporates the effects of the Social Communication Plan and the Participatory 

Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan to mitigate the expectations in respect of the population. 

As indicated, from the final cost associated with this stage is minor. 


During this stage, the most important negative impacts are associated with the substantial reduction of 

jobs associated with the project (direct, indirect and induced) and the reduction in revenues from local 

companies to provide the services required during the phase of operation. 

It should be noted that the positive results derived from the component of labor reintegration of the 

Training and Local Employment Plan (PCEL) and, in the case of local enterprises, specific training 

programmes and alternative programmes of work and sustainable development which are part of the 

policy of purchasing and hiring local has been included in the estimation of the negative effects on 

employment and earnings of subcontractors. 

The implementation of these plans and programmes, together with those described in detail in the 

Conceptual Social Closure Plan (Appendix 10.4), will allow the reduction of negative impacts identified. 

Thus concludes that the total cost generated at this stage is minor. 

11.3 Analysis the benefits 

11.3.1 Environmental benefits 

Similarly to the case of environmental costs, the determination of the benefits was conducted through the 

analysis of the final impacts of positive character and their respective significance, both in the stages of 

construction and operation. This exercise was conducted on the basis of the information contained in the 

chapter of environmental impacts analysis (Chapter 5). 

Information on the concepts of closure was used to estimate the post-closure conditions. 

The analysis of the benefits by stages presented the following situations: 


In general, the project does not represent significant environmental benefits. However, the positive 

situations arise from the activities of environmental management are not necessarily unique objectives 

the prevention or mitigation, but it also includes tasks that seek to have a positive effect in the initially 

affected element. An example of this latter is the study of a particular species, which would represent a 

potential positive impact on the biological component; It is expected that a better understanding of an 

element of the fauna or flora is translated into a greater capacity for management of the resource. 



11-9

On the other hand, while it is true that the operation of reservoirs will begin during the construction stage 

of the project, and that they will have a positive effect in terms of quantity of surface water that allow 

regular flows, especially in dry season, the benefits are counted during the operational stage. 

Considering the above, we can say that at this stage the environmental benefit from the project will be 

minor. 


The operation stage present positive impacts similar to the stage of construction; However, they were 

already considered in the balance sheet corresponding to the previous stage. In this way, the unique 

environmental benefits of this stage would be associated with the regulation of flows at the basin involved 

in the project due to the management of the reservoirs. 

Also the reservoirs will allow increased the storage capacity of water in the area, the increase in the total 

area of water mirrors and the creation of some areas with adequate conditions for the creation of bogs, so 

this can also be seen as a benefit. Other research activities, especially concerning the study of the 

development of bogs and spread of some species, are also considered to be environmental benefits of 

this stage. 

Therefore, and conservatively, the benefit of the project can be estimated for this stage as minor. 


The main benefit associated with the development of the Conga project during this stage occurs as a 

result of the implementation of a closure plan, presented at this stage of conceptual, completed based on 

the requirements of environmental protection required by the State and in accordance with international 

best practices, which will allow most likely have an environment with a level of compatibility with 

acceptable environment. 

This way, plans as the revegetation, the regeneration of some specific habitats, the incorporation of the 

upper reservoir for not mining purposes (increasing the area of water mirrors) and the creation of a 

wetland in the tailings storage facility are environmental benefits to be taken into account. 

Therefore, and conservatively, the benefit of the project can be estimated for this stage as minor. 

11.3.2 Socio-economic benefits 

As for costs, the socio-economic benefits have been identified after analysis of the significance of the 

positive impacts found in the stages of construction and operation described in Chapter 5, referred to the 

analysis of socio-economic impacts. Following the scheme raised in the case of the costs, the preconstruction 

stage has been included within the building. 

Also and in a consistent manner with the analysis of the costs, for the analysis of the benefits took into 

account information on the concepts of closure detailed in the Conceptual Closure Plan (Chapter 10). 

The analysis of the benefits by stages is presented below: 


Positive impacts ranging from low to high significance have been identified at this stage. These are 

linked, to a greater extent, to the effects in terms of employment (direct, indirect, and induced) and 

income, to benefit the inhabitants of the area of influence and local businesses as a result of services 

demanded by the development of the project. Together, these impacts result in greater economic 

dynamism at the local, regional and national level. 

Here are the benefits found at this stage according to its magnitude. 



11-10

Minor benefits: these are linked mainly to the increase in the value of the lands of the environment of the 

project with the expectation of future purchases from MYSRL and the reduction of the uncertainty 

surrounding the availability of water in dry season due to the operation of the reservoirs of water. 

Moderate and high benefits: as already mentioned, the main benefits will be associated with the socioeconomic 

component: (1) it is expected that former family owners be increased notably revenues 

following the sale of their land to MYSRL and this effect will be enhanced with the implementation of 

development programmes described in the PASAT; (2) the demand for labor will be increased, either by 

direct contracts made by MYSRL for the implementation of mining work or contracts carried out with the 

local and national companies to the need to meet increased demand for services by the project[13]; (3) 

no mining activities and non-specific mining training will increase the levels of employability of local 

residents, giving this component of long term that will ensure the sustainability of the benefits that brings 

the project in its various stages; (4) and the beginning of development projects, described in the Plan of 

Social Management (Chapter 7), will generate the basis for continuous improvement of the quality of life 

of the population which includes dimensions of productivity, education and health. 

Considering the above, one can conclude that the Conga project represents a high benefit at this stage. 


During the operation stage, it is anticipated an extension of the positive benefits in employment and 

income generated in the previous stage. Both Training and Local Employment Plan (PCEL) and the policy 

of purchasing and hiring premises, will have a significant influence on these results. However, the impact 

of higher significance will be generated with the increase in local, regional and national government 

budgets for the payment of the fee and mining royalties. 

Over the life of the project, estimated a payment for royalties that will be in the range of 350 and 360 

million dollars[14]. And, in the case of the mining canon, it is estimated that this payment will be within the 

range of 500 to 650 million dollars[15]. Should be clarified that the positive effects of this increase in 

public resources will be enhanced through the project of capacity building in design and management of 

investment projects of local governments, whose purpose is the promotion of the efficient use of 

resources from the canon and the mining royalties through the training in techniques of project 

formulation, participatory budgeting, budget management, integrated system of financial management 

(SIAF), national system of public investment (SNIP), among others that will allow the establishment of 

plans for infrastructure development and social integrated and the execution of works of high impact at 

local and regional. 

Whereas the achievement of an acceptable management of these funds, there is great potential to 

strengthen the foundations for development at local and regional levels, and to a lesser extent at the 

national level. 

On the other hand, beyond the mitigation of environmental impacts, reservoirs have the ability to provide 

water in different basins according to a scheme which would be defined in a participatory manner, so the 

project represent at this stage, through improvement in the management of available water resources, a 

notable support to local development. 

From the above, the benefit associated with this stage will be high. 


After mining activity in the area, the most important benefits are associated with tangible assets that 

would be for the use of the inhabitants of the environment. In this case, are the reservoirs of water which 

would be, at this stage, almost in its entirety for the provisioning of resources in the surrounding basins. 



11-11

Even though MYSRL will implement projects to contribute to the sustainability of income in the area of 

influence, they have been considered, conservatively, among the measures associated with the reduction 

of social costs by the suspension of operations, so have not been included in this specific balance sheet. 

Considering this, it was concluded that during this stage of the project, the benefit will be minor. 

11.4 Conclusions of the cost - benefit assessment 

The cost - benefit analysis of the Conga project has considered the effects of the construction, operation 

and conditions post-closure that are expected in the socio-economic, and environmental components as 

a consequence of the development of the mining initiative. 

Whereas the conclusions obtained for all stages, can be summarized in general terms that the analysis of 

cost - benefit of the project shows a positive global balance on the likely situation without the project. 

This conclusion is supported by (Chart 11.4.1): 

Moderate and high socio-economic benefits, and minor environmental benefits. 

Moderate and minor socio-economic costs, and moderate and minor environmental costs. 

Benefits 

Costs 

Chart 11.4.1 

Balance cost - benefit general 

Component Construction Operation –Closure and 

post-closure 

Environmental Minor Minor Minor 

Socioeconomic High High Minor 

Environmental Moderate Minor Minor 

Socioeconomic Moderate Minor Minor 

Considering only the costs and benefits that can be qualified as important, the balance sheets from 

multiple perspectives, would be in terms of areas, as follows: 

National and regional level: Socio-economic net income, proceeds from the benefits of moderate in this 

component during the construction and operation. 

Local: Socio-economic net income, due to moderate benefits in this component during the construction 

and operation and an environmental net cost, due to the moderate and temporary environmental load. 

________________________________________ 

[1] No significant impacts in the discussion are not included 

[2] Approximate average volumes 

[3] In 2008, to constant 1994 prices 

[4] This is due to the depletion of resources in the fields that currently exploits MYSRL 

[5] Measure for non-monetary poverty (at least one need for basic Insatisfecha or NBI) 

[6] More than a NBI 

[7] This area is defined as a result of the analysis of socio-economic impacts (Chapter 5) 

[8] 7.84% in the basin of the Alto Jadibamba River, 0.33 per cent in the basin of the Chugurmayo ravine, 

6,82% in the basin of the Alto Chirimayo ravine, 1.58% in the basin of the Chailhuagon River, 1.94% in 

the basin of the Toromacho ravine. 

[9] 86.2% of the total area of the tailings storage facility will be found in the Alto Jadibamba River basin 

[10] In this case, the introduction of a code of conduct addressed to all workers of the mine, contractors 

and consultants who are in the immediate environment of the project and a policy of promotion of the 

culture and local customs can reduce the size of the generated negative impact. 



11-12

With regard to road safety, the project envisages the implementation of a Plan for road safety, whose aim 

is to reduce the incidence of accidents of traffic and congestion through the provision of regulations for 

the staff of the Conga project responsible for the management of transport vehicles. 

[11] Former owner population is formed by the former owners, speakers, landholders and their respective 

homes. 

[12] Over-expectations are considered as they go beyond what is reasonable and plausible. 

[13] In this regard, shopping and local procurement policy has a long-term effect, insofar as it provides for 

the implementation of alternative programmes of work and sustainable development that make less 

dependent on the relationship of local enterprises for project Conga 

[14] The ranks are based on the following models: model financial no scaling (using constant prices for 

the year 2009) and model scaling financial (where the prices of the major components of costs such as 

diesel, steel and services contracted, explosives, wages have increased gradually to reflect the impact of 

inflation, rise in international prices, etc.). The two models have been completed whereas constant prices 

during the lifetime of the project's $900 an ounce of gold and 2.5 $ pound of copper. 

[15] The project would begin to generate royalties from the year 2015 and canon from the year 2016. 



11-13

Section 12.0 - List of Specialists 

The following list of professionals helped with the development of the EIA – Conga Project. 

José Sarabia 

Knight Piésold Consultores S.A. 

Biólogist 

Iván Sandoval 


Chemical Engineer 

Javier Falcón 


Sanitary Engineer 

Claudia Reátegui 


Biólogist 

In preparing the various chapters were also involved as part of the staff of Knight Piésold: 

Mario Villavisencio, General Manager 

Judith Kreps, Environmental Manager 

Roberto Parra, Project Manager 

Fernanda Barrios, Environmental Engineer 

Roberto Campaña, Civil Engineer 

Oscar Queirolo, Biologist 

Carlos Kiyán, Mechnical Engineer 

Fernando Accame, Environmental Engineer 

Erika Paliza, Biologist 

Adriana Álvarez del Villar, Biologist 

Julissa Cabrera, Biologist 

Lina Cuevas, Graphic Engineer 

Teresa Macayo, Mining Engineer 

Cynthia Parnow, Geochemist 

Mike Meyer, Biologist 

James Kunkel, Hidrologist 

Cory Conrad, Hidrogeologist 

Hayra Cárdenas, Civil Engineer 

Eduardo Oyague, Biologist, Aquatic Engineer 

Diego Horna, Mechanical Engineer 

Alfredo Hijar, Mechanical Engineer 

Additionally, it presents the companies that participated in the preparation of inputs used for this EIA. It 

also mentions the companies that participated in the elaboration of specific studies to develop the project 

and whose information was used to prepare the EIA. Chapter 13 presents the references of these 

specific studies. 

Metis Gaia, Socioeconomic specialists 



12-1

Control Acústico Ltda., Noise and Vibration Specialists 

Perú Hydraulics, hydrology specialists 

Hydro-Geo Ingeniería, hydrology specialists 

Schlumberger- Water Services, water management specialists 

Fluor, EPCM 

Golder Associates, design engineers 

Walsh Perú, design engineers 



12-2

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